Archive · 23 Jan 2026
Kanpur Court Awards Double Life Imprisonment in Kushagra Kanodia Murder Case
A court in Kanpur, India, has sentenced three people to life in prison for the murder of a 16-year-old boy named Kushagra Kanodia.
The boy was kidnapped and killed in October 2023 while on his way to coaching classes.
The three people found guilty are Ruchika Vats, a tuition teacher, her partner Prabhat Shukla, and his associate Shiva Gupta.
The court decided they were guilty based on evidence like CCTV footage, ransom notes, and witness testimonies.
The family of the boy wanted the death penalty, but the court gave them life sentences instead.
The police said this decision shows that crimes against children will be punished severely.
Three individuals convicted of kidnapping and murdering 16-year-old Kushagra Kanodia in Kanpur.
Sentenced to double life imprisonment by the Additional District and Sessions Judge.
Crime occurred in October 2023 while the victim was heading to coaching classes.
Evidence included CCTV footage, ransom notes, and communication records.
Family of the victim demanded the death penalty but received life sentences.
- Who
- Three individuals: Ruchika Vats, Prabhat Shukla, and Shiva Gupta
- What
- Convicted of kidnapping and murder of 16-year-old Kushagra Kanodia
- When
- Sentencing on January 22, 2024; crime occurred in October 2023
- Where
- Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India
- Why
- To extract ransom from the victim's family
- Victim
- Kushagra Kanodia
- Convicts
- Ruchika Vats, Prabhat Shukla, Shiva Gupta
- Sentence
- Double life imprisonment
- Crime Date
- October 2023
- Victim's Age
- 16 years old
- Prosecution Witnesses
- 14
- Key Evidence
- CCTV footage, ransom notes, communication records