Jessica Lall was shot dead at a Delhi restaurant bar on 30 April 1999 after refusing Manu Sharma a drink. A trial court acquitted all nine accused in 2006; the…
At a late-night party, Jessica Lall told Manu Sharma the bar had run dry. He fired at the roof, then at her.
Jessica was declared brought dead in the early hours. The FIR rested on bartender Shayan Munshi's statement.
From the shooting to the post-mortem.
The black Tata Safari Manu Sharma had arrived in was found abandoned three days after the shooting.
Manu Sharma, son of politician Venod Sharma, surrendered to the police a week after the killing.
From the Safari to the chargesheet.
Shayan Munshi said his statement was in Hindi, which he did not understand. He did not back the prosecution.
With witnesses hostile and no weapon, the trial court held the case not proved beyond reasonable doubt.
Candlelight vigils and media petitions turned the acquittal into a national outcry.
Justices R.S. Sodhi and P.K. Bhasin convicted Manu Sharma of murder. Tony Gill and Vikas Yadav were also convicted.
Charges and outcomes.
All three appeals were dismissed. The court also warned against trial by media.
Four decisions that changed the outcome.
Shayan Munshi and a ballistic expert were sent for perjury trial. 17 other witnesses were absolved.
The court approved the Witness Protection Scheme, 2018, in a different case, after years of debate.
What happened to the witnesses.
After nearly 17 years in custody, Manu Sharma won premature release. Sabrina Lall had not objected.
From the shooting to the release.
Read the complete story, FAQs and key facts.