Pointing a Gun Alone Does Not Prove Intent to Kill: Delhi Court Acquits Accused in Attempted Murder Case

New Delhi: A Delhi court has acquitted an accused in a 2020 attempted murder case involving a police officer, clarifying that merely pointing a gun at someone cannot be taken as conclusive proof of intent to kill. However, the accused was convicted under the Arms Act for illegal possession of a firearm and ammunition.

Additional Sessions Judge Saurabh Kulshrestha was hearing the case against Sagar alias Rinku, who allegedly pointed a pistol at Head Constable Rajesh Kumar during a police raid in 2020.

Court Emphasizes Lack of Definitive Intent

In its judgment on 23 January, the court stated: “In the absence of any other supporting evidence, merely pointing a pistol at Head Constable Rajesh cannot be considered a definitive indication of intent to kill. Nor can it be concluded that, had other police officers not intervened, the accused was likely to pull the trigger.”

Gun Display During Police Raid

According to the prosecution, Sagar allegedly brandished the pistol when police raided his residence near Bharatiya Vidya Peeth on 14 July 2020, after receiving information that he intended to commit a crime. The court noted that it was possible the accused’s intent was only to intimidate, not to shoot or kill the officer.

Considering these factors, the court acquitted him of charges under Section 307 of the Indian Penal Code (attempt to murder) but held him guilty under the Arms Act for illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition.

This ruling underlines the legal principle that the mere act of threatening someone with a weapon does not automatically establish murderous intent without corroborating evidence.