Overview

• Additional Sessions Judge Saif Ahmad sentenced 30-year-old Priyanka to death after finding that she sedated and drowned her three younger sons in June 2024 under the instigation of her partner.
• Her paramour, Ashish, received life imprisonment and a Rs 1 lakh fine, with two extra years of jail added for non-payment.
• The conviction relied on the rescue and courtroom testimony of her eldest son, Sonu, who witnessed the drownings.
• The court classified the case as a ‘rarest of rare’ crime, reflecting its view of premeditation and coercion in the killings.
• Sonu is now living with his paternal aunt under state care while Priyanka’s family has signaled plans to pursue clemency.