The quantum of sentence will be announced on January 24.

According to the prosecution, the two had first strangulated Promila and then bludgeoned her with a stone. They had also poured acid on her face and tore off her clothes to suggest rape, which was ruled out by her medical reports. “The duo committed the gory crime just to save the family’s honour,” said public prosecutor Manu Kakkar.

The case created a history of sorts when the entire evidence was recorded in a day on January 13. The next hearing on January 15 saw the defence witnesses and the final arguments being heard by the court. And on the third date, i.e. January 22, the duo was convicted. The speedy trial was conducted as fear of the witnesses turning hostile loomed large, with both the accused and the witnesses belonging to the same village.

Timeline

July 20, 2008: The defaced body of Promila is found in forests near Kajheri

July 23: Police arrest her father and brother after their statements contradict

November 28: Murder charges framed against the two

January 12, 2009: Entire trial evidence recorded

January 15: Defence witnesses and final arguments heard