India’s most infamous criminal cases of recent times
India, with its rich history and diverse society, has witnessed remarkable progress in law, governance, and social reform. Yet, the country has also been shaken by criminal cases that have left an indelible mark on its collective conscience. From heinous sexual assaults and high-profile murders to large-scale scams and mob lynchings, these incidents have exposed the vulnerabilities in our justice system, societal prejudices, and the misuse of power.
These cases do more than shock—they provoke debates on morality, law enforcement, media ethics, and societal responsibilities. They highlight the courage of survivors, the challenges faced by law enforcement, and the role of citizens in demanding accountability.
In this article, we explore some of India’s most infamous criminal cases of recent times, examining their facts, societal impact, and the critical lessons they offer. Each case, whether it involves a victim fighting for justice, a society grappling with outrage, or the fall of the powerful, paints a stark picture of the complexities of crime and justice in modern India.
1. The Nirbhaya Case: A Turning Point in India’s Fight Against Sexual Violence
On 16 December 2012, a 23-year-old physiotherapy student, later referred to as Nirbhaya (“the fearless one”), boarded a private bus in Delhi with her male friend after watching a movie. Inside, six men brutally gang-raped her, assaulted her with an iron rod, and abandoned both of them on the roadside. The victim suffered severe internal injuries and succumbed to them on 29 December 2012 in Singapore, where she was undergoing treatment.
The crime sent shockwaves across the nation. The accused included the bus driver, a juvenile, and four adult men. One accused committed suicide in jail, the juvenile was sentenced to three years under the Juvenile Justice Act, and the four adult men were sentenced to death in 2013. After years of appeals and review petitions, they were executed in March 2020.
The brutality of the crime sparked unprecedented public outrage. Thousands took to the streets in Delhi and other cities, demanding women’s safety, stricter laws, and accountability from the police and government. These protests became one of the largest citizen movements in independent India.
In response, the government established the Justice Verma Committee, which submitted strong recommendations for reform. This led to the Criminal Law (Amendment) Act, 2013, which expanded the definition of rape, introduced new offences including stalking, voyeurism, and acid attacks, and provided stricter punishments, including the death penalty in cases of extreme brutality. In 2015, the Juvenile Justice Act was amended, allowing juveniles aged 16–18 to be tried as adults in heinous crimes. Additional measures included establishing fast-track courts for speedy trials of sexual assault cases, creating the Nirbhaya Fund to support women’s safety initiatives, and enhancing women’s helplines, police sensitization, and CCTV surveillance in public spaces.
The case profoundly changed societal discourse around sexual violence. It broke the silence on issues like rape, consent, and victim-blaming. Survivors began to come forward more openly, and the stigma surrounding the reporting of sexual crimes started to decline.
While the Nirbhaya case marked a watershed moment, its legacy remains mixed. Despite being a “fast-track” trial, it took over seven years for the convicts’ execution, highlighting the slow pace of India’s justice system. Critics argue that the death penalty is not an effective deterrent and may divert attention from everyday sexual crimes that rarely receive media focus. The Nirbhaya Fund remains underutilized, and safety measures are inconsistent across states. Survivor-friendly mechanisms, counselling, and rehabilitation continue to be weak, with many victims still facing police apathy and social stigma. Despite legal reforms, crimes against women continue to rise, demonstrating that laws alone cannot dismantle deep-rooted patriarchy and gender bias.
The Nirbhaya case remains a defining moment in India’s struggle for women’s safety and justice. It forced the government to act, the judiciary to respond, and society to reflect. While it sparked hope and reforms, it also exposed structural flaws: delayed justice, poor implementation, and enduring cultural biases. Ultimately, Nirbhaya’s case is both a symbol of collective resistance and a stark reminder that India still has a long way to go in ensuring dignity, safety, and justice for women.
2. The Sheena Bora Murder Case: A Tale of Power, Deceit, and Family Secrets
In April 2012, Sheena Bora, a 25-year-old executive working with Mumbai Metro One, mysteriously disappeared. Her mother, Indrani Mukerjea, former CEO of INX Media, along with her ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna and driver Shyamvar Rai, were accused of strangling Sheena and burning her body in Raigad district. The crime remained hidden until 2015, when the driver turned approver and revealed the murder to the police. Sheena had initially been introduced by Indrani as her younger sister, but it was later revealed that she was her daughter from a previous relationship. Allegedly, Sheena’s relationship with Rahul Mukerjea, Indrani’s stepson, and disputes over financial matters triggered the crime. Indrani, Peter Mukerjea, her then-husband, and others were arrested. After years of custody and trial delays, the case is still pending in court, with Indrani released on bail in 2022.
The case grabbed national headlines due to its mix of crime, glamour, and high-profile personalities. The sensational revelations—the mother-daughter identity twist, alleged financial motives, and the Mukerjeas’ media empire background—made it a staple for TV debates and tabloid coverage. It revealed that crimes of passion and greed are not confined to the poor or marginalized; even the powerful and influential are capable of shocking violence. The case highlighted the importance of witness testimony, as the driver turning approver was crucial to the investigation. It also underscored the challenges of investigating “cold cases” years after the crime and how family secrecy and social image can mask deep dysfunctions.
The case illustrates the slow pace of India’s criminal justice system. Despite arrests in 2015, the trial remains unfinished more than a decade after the crime. Public perception of guilt was shaped largely by sensational media coverage, raising concerns about fairness and due process. Much reporting focused on the Mukerjeas’ elite lifestyle rather than on Sheena’s life and the brutality of her death, reflecting society’s fascination with “high society scandals.” The case forces us to confront uncomfortable truths about family breakdowns, ambition, and the extremes of human behavior when image and money dominate relationships.
The Sheena Bora murder case remains one of India’s most infamous “crimes of passion” in recent history. It revealed a chilling intersection of family betrayal, ambition, and deceit, wrapped in the trappings of wealth and power. While the case continues in court, its societal impact lies less in legal reforms and more in exposing how fragile family bonds can become when overshadowed by greed, secrecy, and a desperate need to maintain social image
3. The Aarushi Talwar – Hemraj Double Murder Case: A Mystery That Divided the Nation
The incident took place on 16 May 2008 in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, when fourteen-year-old Aarushi Talwar was found murdered in her bedroom. The next day, the body of Hemraj, the family’s domestic help, was discovered on the terrace of the Talwars’ home. Police initially suspected Hemraj, but his body being found soon after exposed serious lapses in handling the crime scene. Over the years, investigators proposed multiple theories—from an “honour killing” by Aarushi’s parents, Rajesh and Nupur Talwar, to outsiders committing the crime.
In 2013, a CBI court convicted the Talwars of double murder and sentenced them to life imprisonment. However, in 2017, the Allahabad High Court acquitted them, citing lack of evidence and investigation flaws.
The case became a media spectacle. Daily coverage, speculative theories, and sensational reporting often blurred the line between fact and assumption. The Talwars were publicly perceived as guilty long before the trial concluded. The case exposed glaring lapses, including contamination of the crime scene, botched forensic collection, and shifting investigative narratives. It also highlighted the urgent need for professional forensic expertise in India’s criminal justice system.
The case gripped the nation for years, spawning books, documentaries, and even a Bollywood film, Talvar (2015). It became emblematic of India’s struggle between truth, perception, and justice. The conviction and later acquittal of the Talwars reflect how fragile justice becomes when evidence is weak and investigations are flawed. While media attention brought public focus, its speculative narratives compromised the presumption of innocence, raising ethical questions about “trial by media.”
The case exposed deep institutional weaknesses—poor evidence handling, lack of accountability in police investigations, and the difficulty of resolving complex crimes without solid forensic backing. Amid sensationalism, the tragedy of Aarushi—a young girl whose life was brutally cut short—was often overshadowed by debates over parental guilt or innocence. The Aarushi Talwar–Hemraj double murder case remains one of India’s most controversial and unresolved mysteries. It is remembered less for delivering justice and more for exposing the cracks in India’s investigative and judicial processes, standing as a cautionary tale about the dangers of poor policing, flawed forensics, and media sensationalism, where truth often becomes the first casualty.
4. The Jessica Lal Murder Case: When Public Outrage Brought Justice
The incident took place on 29 April 1999 at Tamarind Court Café in New Delhi. Jessica Lal, a 34-year-old model, was working as a celebrity bartender at a late-night party. Manu Sharma, son of a powerful Haryana politician, demanded a drink after closing hours. When she refused, he shot her at point-blank range.
Despite numerous eyewitnesses, Manu Sharma was acquitted in 2006 due to witnesses turning hostile and investigation lapses. The acquittal sparked national outrage, with the media and public mobilizing under the slogan “Justice for Jessica.” In December 2006, the Delhi High Court overturned the trial court’s verdict and convicted Manu Sharma, sentencing him to life imprisonment. The Supreme Court upheld the conviction in 2010. Manu Sharma was released on remission in 2020 after serving over seventeen years in prison.
The case marked one of the first instances where mass media and public campaigns directly influenced the course of justice in India. The NDTV-led campaign “Justice for Jessica” became a watershed moment for television activism. The trial exposed how political influence and intimidation can make witnesses turn hostile and sparked debates on the urgent need for a witness protection program, which India introduced formally only in 2018. The case demonstrated that collective public pressure could hold even the powerful accountable, becoming a symbol of the common man’s ability to challenge political privilege and corruption.
The initial acquittal revealed systemic weaknesses, including police inefficiency, lack of accountability, and the influence of money and power over justice. While media activism was instrumental in securing a conviction, it also raised concerns about excessive media pressure influencing judicial outcomes. Despite the case’s high visibility, broader reforms in criminal justice—such as speedy trials, insulation from political pressure, and robust witness protection—remained slow to materialize. Manu Sharma’s release on remission in 2020 reignited debates about whether high-profile convicts should be granted early release or whether it dilutes the sense of justice for victims’ families.
The Jessica Lal murder case highlighted the dangers of a justice system vulnerable to power and privilege, but it also showcased the strength of public outrage in correcting judicial wrongs. It stands as a landmark case where citizen activism, media pressure, and judicial conscience converged to ensure accountability, while also serving as a reminder that justice cannot rely solely on media campaigns but requires consistent and systemic reform.
5. The Shraddha Walkar Murder Case: A Gruesome Crime That Shocked the Nation
The incident took place in May 2022 in Delhi. Shraddha Walkar, a 27-year-old woman from Maharashtra, was allegedly murdered by her live-in partner, Aaftab Poonawala. Police allege that after a heated argument, Aaftab strangled Shraddha to death in their rented apartment. He then dismembered her body into 35 pieces, stored them in a refrigerator, and gradually disposed of them in forested areas of Delhi over several weeks.
The case came to light in November 2022 after Shraddha’s father filed a missing complaint. Aaftab was arrested, and forensic evidence, including DNA tests on body parts and bones recovered from forests, linked him to the crime. The trial is still ongoing, with Aaftab facing murder charges under the Indian Penal Code. The brutality of the crime—particularly the dismemberment and concealment—triggered nationwide horror and intensified debates on women’s safety in relationships.
The case revived societal discussions around live-in relationships in India. Critics highlighted the lack of family acceptance and the vulnerability of women in such arrangements, while others argued that the focus should remain on violence and toxic relationships rather than personal choices. Extensive TV and digital coverage often sensationalized the gruesome details, sometimes overshadowing sensitive conversations on domestic violence. Social media became a battleground, with polarized debates on morality, interfaith relationships, and women’s autonomy.
Shraddha had reportedly complained to friends about abuse, but no institutional mechanism was in place to intervene or protect her. This underscores the absence of effective domestic violence monitoring outside marriage. Coverage often prioritized sensational aspects—such as the refrigerator and dismemberment—over respectful, victim-centric reporting. The tragedy was frequently used to target live-in or interfaith relationships instead of addressing the central issue: violence against women and lack of safeguards. The case also highlighted the importance of forensic science, including DNA testing and narco-analysis, in securing convictions in modern crimes.
The Shraddha Walkar murder case remains one of the most chilling crimes in recent memory. It exposed the dangers of unchecked domestic violence, the urgent need for stronger support systems for women in vulnerable relationships, and the perils of sensational media coverage. More than a story of a live-in relationship gone tragically wrong, it is a stark reminder of the deep-rooted issue of gender-based violence that continues to haunt Indian society.
6. The Unnao Rape Case: Power, Politics, and the Struggle for Justice
The incident took place in June 2017, when a 17-year-old girl from Unnao, Uttar Pradesh, accused BJP MLA Kuldeep Singh Sengar of raping her at his residence. Police delayed action, and the case was ignored for months, reflecting political influence. The victim attempted self-immolation outside the Chief Minister’s residence, and her father was later arrested, assaulted, and died in police custody, further fueling public outrage.
The Allahabad High Court took suo motu cognizance, and the case was later transferred to the CBI. In December 2019, a Delhi court convicted Kuldeep Singh Sengar of rape and sentenced him to life imprisonment. He was also convicted in a separate case relating to the death of the victim’s father.
The case highlighted how politicians can misuse power to intimidate victims, manipulate law enforcement, and obstruct justice. The proactive role of the Allahabad High Court and the Supreme Court ensured that the trial was transferred out of Uttar Pradesh, protecting the victim and her family from further intimidation. The case exposed the lack of effective witness protection in India. In 2019, the victim and her lawyer were critically injured in a suspicious truck accident, raising serious concerns about the safety of survivors.
The case triggered widespread outrage, with protests demanding justice and stronger safeguards against political interference in criminal cases. The initial reluctance of police and state machinery to act against a powerful legislator illustrated how deeply entrenched political influence can paralyze justice. Had authorities acted promptly, the victim’s family might have been spared further trauma, including her father’s death and the near-fatal accident. Despite the Supreme Court’s intervention, India still struggles to ensure credible protection for victims and witnesses in cases involving influential accused. The eventual conviction of Kuldeep Singh Sengar proved that the judiciary can rise above politics to deliver justice, though the journey was long and painful for the victim.
The Unnao rape case is a chilling example of how power and privilege can obstruct justice, but it is also a story of resilience and judicial courage. It revealed critical gaps in India’s policing, victim protection, and accountability systems, while reminding society that justice is possible only when institutions act independently of political influence.
7. The Vyapam Scam: India’s Largest Recruitment & Admission Fraud
Vyapam, short for Madhya Pradesh Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal (Professional Examination Board), is responsible for conducting entrance exams for government jobs and professional courses like medical and engineering. Between 2008 and 2013, a massive racket was uncovered in which impersonators wrote exams for candidates, admission and recruitment lists were manipulated, and middlemen, officials, and politicians were allegedly involved. Thousands of candidates were illegally admitted to medical colleges or recruited to government jobs.
More than 40 mysterious deaths of witnesses, accused, and whistleblowers were reported, creating a cloud of suspicion and fear. The scam came to light in 2013 after whistleblowers and journalists exposed the irregularities. The Supreme Court transferred the probe to the CBI in 2015. Former Madhya Pradesh Minister Laxmikant Sharma and several officials were arrested. The scandal shook people’s faith in merit-based selection, as genuine students and job seekers were robbed of their rightful opportunities.
The Vyapam scandal rocked the Madhya Pradesh government led by Shivraj Singh Chouhan and raised serious questions about political complicity and accountability. It was not a one-off malpractice but an organized nexus of politicians, bureaucrats, exam officials, and middlemen. The Supreme Court emphasized the need for stricter regulations in recruitment and admission processes, leading to calls for transparent digital systems and closer monitoring of public exams.
Vyapam was not just cheating in exams—it represented a collapse of governance, where education and employment were sold for money. The mysterious deaths—whether due to foul play or stress—highlighted how high-stakes corruption can cost human lives. Despite the CBI probe, convictions have been slow, raising doubts about whether the guilty, especially high-profile accused, will ever be fully punished.
The Vyapam scam remains one of India’s biggest educational frauds, exposing the vulnerability of recruitment and admission systems when politics, money, and power collide. It is not just a story of corruption; it is a story of lost futures, broken trust, and a stark reminder that without systemic reforms and accountability, meritocracy in India remains under threat.
8. Asaram Bapu Rape Case: The infamous Godman
Asaram Bapu was a self-styled godman with a massive following across India and abroad, running ashrams, schools, and spiritual organizations. In August 2013, a 16-year-old girl accused Asaram of sexual assault at his Jodhpur ashram, where she was studying. She alleged that he called her to his room under the pretext of performing a ritual and then assaulted her.
Asaram went into hiding and was arrested in September 2013. Several witnesses in the case were attacked, and some were even killed. On 25 April 2018, a special POCSO Court in Jodhpur convicted Asaram and sentenced him to life imprisonment.
His conviction shattered the blind faith of millions and exposed how self-styled godmen can exploit religious authority for sexual and financial gains. The case encouraged more survivors to come forward against powerful figures and became part of the larger discourse around women’s safety and child protection in India. It also highlighted how deeply some godmen are connected with politicians, police, and bureaucrats, raising questions about misuse of influence and protection. The repeated attacks on witnesses exposed the vulnerability of the justice system and the urgent need for stronger witness protection laws.
The case demonstrated how religious trust can be weaponized for exploitation. Many devotees initially refused to believe the charges, showing the dangers of blind faith. Although Asaram was eventually convicted, the long trial and intimidation of witnesses highlighted the difficulties in prosecuting influential figures. The case forced Indian society to question the unchecked power of godmen and the lack of regulation over religious institutions.
The conviction set a precedent that even the most powerful can be brought to justice when survivors speak up and institutions hold their ground. The Asaram case is more than a criminal conviction—it is a wake-up call for society. It proves that no one is above the law, not even those cloaked in religious authority, while also underlining the urgent need for reforms in witness protection, regulation of religious bodies, and awareness against blind faith.
9. The Akhlaque Dadri Lynching Case: Mob Violence Over Rumors
The incident took place on 28 September 2015 in Dadri village, Uttar Pradesh. The victim, Mohammad Akhlaque, a 50-year-old resident, was attacked by a mob at his home after rumors spread that he had slaughtered a cow and stored beef, which is illegal under the state’s law. He was beaten severely, dragged out of his home, and later died from his injuries.
Police arrested multiple accused, and investigations highlighted communal tensions and incitement via social media. Some accused were also charged under anti-lynching and communal violence provisions.
The lynching triggered nationwide horror and debates on mob justice and the protection of minorities. It became a symbol of growing cow vigilante violence in India and sparked calls for strict anti-lynching laws and better policing to prevent mob violence. The case also raised awareness about the misuse of social media to spread false rumors that incite violence. Extensive coverage highlighted the role of rumors, religious intolerance, and mob mentality in undermining law and order.
The case reflects the dangerous mix of religion, politics, and social media in fomenting violence. Although some accused were convicted, many perpetrators initially evaded arrest due to political influence or social protection. The incident raises questions about society’s tolerance for mob justice and the failure of local authorities to intervene promptly.
Akhlaque’s lynching became a wake-up call against vigilantism, pushing civil society to demand legal safeguards for minorities and vulnerable communities. The Akhlaque Dadri lynching case is a chilling example of how false rumors and communal polarization can lead to deadly consequences. It underlines the urgent need for rule of law, legal deterrents against mob violence, and responsible social conduct, especially in an era of instant information sharing.