Prominent criminal lawyer dies after attack

NEW DELHI - Noted criminal lawyer R.K. Naseem, who was allegedly attacked by a close relative and former Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) legislator Vinod Sharma, Monday succumbed to his injuries at a city hospital.

Naseem was attacked on Jan 24 by Sharma, his brother-in-law, and three others in Dabri area of southwest Delhi over a property dispute in Manesar, Haryana.

Naseem sustained severe head injuries and was admitted to hospital in a critical condition. Sharma was arrested Jan 29 by the Delhi Police Crime Branch.

Naseem has been the defence counsel in important cases like the Jessica Lal murder and the Priyadarshini Mattoo rape and murder.

On hearing about his death, lawyers in Delhi’s lower courts announced their decision to go on a strike.