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Jitendra Pathak or Viraj, who has been identified as the murderer of an 18-month-old baby boy, has been sentenced to death for his role in the gruesome killing. In an unprecedented display of speedy justice, the Firozabad District and Session's Court in Uttar Pradesh has sentenced him to death. Pathak made repeated attempts to slap the child called Aarav, who could not have been more than a year-old at the time, on August 30 in Shikohabad while the mother, Rati Devi, cast continued objections on her son's proposal of marriage, considering it as "hina".

The terrible offence has been recorded on the CCTV and Pathak was promptly arrested after meeting with the police where he had his leg shot. An unparalleled 13 prosecution witnesses provided the evidence for what was a record fast-track trial that finished in 41-42 days, and which received the ultimate punishment award from officials and the family of the victim.

Pathak admitted he had committed the crime. This case marked India's strides in demanding speedy trials of heinous crimes against children. The appeal of the death sentence may come later but it brings some closure. The incident has outraged many and has led to one across the nation demanding tougher regulations against child protection in the country.