A Ludhiana court on Thursday handed down the death penalty to a 35-year-old woman, Neelam, for the brutal murder of a two-and-a-half-year-old girl, Dilroz Kaur, in 2021. The incident occurred in the Shimlapuri area of Ludhiana over a longstanding rivalry with the victim’s family.
Sessions Judge Munish Singal convicted Neelam for the heinous crime committed against the daughter of Harpreet Singh on November 28, 2021. According to police reports, Neelam buried Dilroz alive in a pit she had dug up in the Salem Tabri area.
Initially, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under section 364 (kidnapping with intent to kill) of the Indian Penal Code at the Shimlapuri police station. Subsequently, after the tragic death of the child, IPC sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence of offence, or giving false information to screen offender) were added to the FIR.
Following Dilroz’s disappearance, the police conducted searches in the neighbourhood, including Neelam’s residence. Initially, Neelam denied any knowledge of the child’s whereabouts and maintained a normal demeanor. However, CCTV footage revealed Neelam taking Dilroz away on her scooter.
Upon interrogation, Neelam confessed to the crime, admitting to burying the toddler alive in Salem Tabri. The police managed to rescue Dilroz and rushed her to Dayanand Medical College and Hospital (DMCH), where she succumbed to her injuries.
“A few days prior to the incident, Neelam had a dispute with Harpreet Singh and his wife over a minor issue. She harboured animosity towards them,” a police officer stated.