More than two years after the brutal killing of 35-year-old Anamika Singh, a Lucknow court on Monday sentenced Arjun Soni and Virendra Kumar Yadav to life imprisonment for her murder. Singh, the wife of an FCI officer, was stabbed 34 times inside her home in the Chinhat area in May 2023.

Judge Delivers Multi-Count Convictions

The verdict was pronounced by Special Judge Neeraj Kumar Baranwal (PC Act Court No. 8), who found both men guilty under several provisions of the Indian Penal Code, including those related to murder, robbery, and conspiracy.

Along with the life term, the court imposed fines and additional concurrent sentences for multiple offences.
Each convict was fined Rs 10,000 for murder, besides receiving:

• Life imprisonment under Sections 394/120-B IPC (robbery with conspiracy) and a Rs 3,000 fine

• Ten years’ rigorous imprisonment under Sections 449/120-B and 467/120-B IPC (house trespass and forgery)

• Five years under Sections 420/120-B and 468/120-B IPC (cheating and forgery)

• Three years under Section 419/120-B IPC (impersonation)

• Two years under Section 471/120-B IPC (use of forged documents)

   

Additionally, Yadav was handed a three-year sentence under the Arms Act, with a Rs 2,000 fine.
“All punishments will run concurrently, and the time both accused have already spent in jail will be adjusted against their total sentence,” said the victim’s lawyer, Ashish Kumar Jain.

Murder Planned Under the Guise of a Service Visit

The incident occurred on May 19, 2023, when Soni, a tenant living on the top floor of Anamika Singh’s house, arrived with Yadav, pretending to be Tech company technicians. The two exploited the fact that the family’s internet was down, using it as a pretext to enter the house.

Once inside, they attacked Singh after she resisted their attempt to rob her, stabbing her 34 times in front of her two-year-old daughter. Her husband, Adarsh Kumar Singh, an FCI employee, was away on official duty at the time.

Police Investigation Cracks the Case

Following a complaint by Adarsh Singh, police launched an investigation under the supervision of Additional DCP Syed Ali Abbas. Evidence from the scene including a telecom company visiting card, a fake tech company identity card, and a black monkey cap pointed to Soni and Yadav.

A bloodstained knife was later recovered near Indira Dam, further linking the accused to the crime. CCTV footage and call detail records confirmed their movements on the day of the murder.

Both men were subsequently arrested and charged after questioning.

Financial Motive Behind the Killing

During interrogation, Soni admitted that financial distress led him to plan the robbery. He and Yadav believed that a substantial amount of cash and jewellery was kept in the house. Their intention was theft, but the crime turned into a homicide when the victim fought back.

Soni’s familiarity with the house and the victim’s routine made the intrusion easy. According to police, the attack was premeditated, and the suspects’ disguises were part of a deliberate attempt to mislead the victim.

A Crime That Shocked Lucknow

The murder of Anamika Singh sent shockwaves through the city, not only for its brutality but also for the betrayal of trust one of the perpetrators lived in the same building as the victim. The case drew widespread attention for the cold-blooded nature of the act and the young child who witnessed it.

After nearly two years of proceedings, the District Court’s judgment has finally brought closure to the case, ensuring both convicts will remain behind bars for life.