A court in Thane has delivered a stern verdict in a harrowing case of child sexual abuse, sentencing a 34-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 13-year-old girl in 2021, an act that resulted in the victim's pregnancy. The court emphatically stated that the "heinous" nature of the crime warranted stringent punishment.
Court's Stern Observations and Judgment Details
Additional Sessions Judge-3, DS Deshmukh, pronounced the judgment on Friday, firmly rejecting any notion of leniency for the accused. The judge observed that the act of the accused, who is married and has a son, had to be viewed with utmost seriousness. The court convicted the accused, identified as Sahid Mohammad Ramzan Hasmi, under Section 5 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict. The judge directed that if the fine amount is recovered, it should be given to the victim as compensation.
Chronology of the Heinous Crime
According to the prosecution's case, the traumatic incident occurred in May 2021. The accused, who resided in the victim's neighbourhood, allegedly assaulted her after offering to drop her home and later calling her to his house. To ensure her silence, he threatened to kill her if she disclosed the offence to anyone.
The victim endured severe stomach pain in July 2021. A subsequent medical examination in August 2021 revealed the devastating truth—she was pregnant. It was only after this discovery that the minor girl confided in her mother about the assault by the accused.
Court Dismisses Defence, Upholds Justice
During the trial, the defence claimed that the case was fabricated due to a monetary dispute. However, the court thoroughly examined the evidence and testimony, ultimately rejecting this claim. The judge found the prosecution's case credible and backed by medical evidence, leading to the conviction.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's commitment to dealing with crimes against children with the severity they deserve. The imposition of a substantial prison term under the stringent Pocso Act sends a strong message about the zero-tolerance approach towards sexual offences targeting minors.
