Judge who sentenced 23 to death speaks out against mafia threats

A judge in western Uttar Pradesh, who has handed down 23 death sentences during his judicial career, has publicly challenged the influence of organised crime on the court system in the region. Ravi Kumar Diwakar expressed deep concern over what he characterised as attempts by mafia networks and gangsters to undermine judicial independence through intimidation and threats.

Diwakar's remarks come against a backdrop of alleged pressure on the judiciary in the state, with the senior jurist indicating that he himself has been targeted with threats. Despite these intimidation tactics, the judge has signalled his determination to continue upholding the law without fear or compromise.

His statements highlight ongoing concerns about organised crime's reach into India's legal system, particularly in Uttar Pradesh. Criminal networks have long been accused of attempting to influence judicial outcomes through various means, from direct threats to institutional pressure.

The judge's defiant stance underscores the challenges faced by members of India's judiciary as they work to maintain the integrity of the legal system in regions where organised criminal syndicates maintain significant influence. His comments are likely to reignite debate about the need for enhanced judicial security and measures to counter organised crime's interference in legal proceedings.