A special court in Gujarat's Mehsana district has delivered a stern verdict in a sensitive case of child sexual abuse, convicting a 28-year-old man to two decades of rigorous imprisonment for impregnating a 17-year-old girl. The court emphasized the need for a justice system that prioritizes the safety of women and children.
Court Convicts Accused Based on Strong Evidence
On Thursday, the special POCSO court presided over by Judge S S Kale found Kanji Thakor guilty under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The crime dates back to 2023. The prosecution, led by Additional Public Prosecutor Rekha Jani, built a robust case by examining 20 witnesses and presenting 26 documents before the court.
A crucial piece of evidence that sealed Thakor's fate was the DNA sample taken from the fetus, which conclusively established his paternity and involvement in the crime. The court noted that the accused had not only committed the offence but had also threatened the victim to prevent her from revealing the truth.
Harsh Sentence and Compensation for the Survivor
While sentencing Kanji Thakor to 20 years in prison and imposing a fine of Rs 30,000, the court also directed that the survivor be provided a compensation of Rs 1.50 lakh. In its order, the court described the crime as heinous and committed with the "highest viciousness."
Judge Kale made poignant observations about societal failures, stating, "We live in a society where the safety and security of children remains an unfulfilled promise." The judge stressed that children who suffer sexual abuse often endure trauma throughout their lives and questioned why they should suffer in silence, framing their suffering as a cry for help.
A Call for a More Responsive Justice System
The court's remarks extended beyond this single case, calling for systemic change. It highlighted the need for a justice framework that does not just focus on retributive, preventive, and reformative punishment for the accused but also actively works to create a social environment where girls and women are safer.
This verdict from Mehsana serves as a significant precedent in POCSO cases, demonstrating the judiciary's willingness to impose stringent punishments based on scientific evidence like DNA testing, while also mandating substantial financial compensation to aid the survivor's recovery and future.
