Gangtok Court Sentences Man to Life for 2023 Samdong Murder

The District and Sessions Judge of Special Division-I, Gangtok, Ms. Jyoti Kharka, has convicted Rayshop Rai, a resident of Middle Samdong, for the murder of Rukesh Rai in a case dating back to July 28, 2023.

The court found the accused guilty under Section 302 (murder) and Section 201 (destruction of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code. He has been sentenced to life imprisonment.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred after a heated argument broke out between the two men near a kutcha house in a forested area close to Samdong Bazar. Later that night, after his family had gone to sleep, Rayshop Rai took a sharp-edged weapon (bamphok), proceeded to the victim’s residence, called him outside, and launched a brutal attack, killing him on the spot.

The murder came to light the following morning when the matter was reported to the Singtam Police Station. The case was investigated by S.I. Phur Tshering Lepcha.

The State was represented in court by Prosecutor Mr. Yadav Sharma, who presented evidence and witness testimony that led to the conviction.