Mehsana Court Delivers Stern 20-Year Sentence in Minor Rape Case
A special court in Mehsana district has handed down a stringent 20-year prison sentence to a 24-year-old man for the abduction and repeated rape of a minor Dalit girl. The court, presided over by Special POCSO Judge Sarang Kale, pronounced the judgment on November 15, labeling the crime as heinous and underscoring society's unfulfilled promise of safety for its children.
The Abduction and Assault
The horrific incident unfolded on July 24-25, 2024. The accused, aged 24, abducted the 16-year-old and four-month-old girl from her village. He then took her to various locations where she was subjected to multiple sexual assaults.
Following a formal complaint lodged by the survivor's father, the police swiftly registered a case. The charges were framed under multiple stringent laws:
- Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita (BNS)
- The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
The traumatic ordeal had severe consequences for the young survivor, who became pregnant as a result of the rape and later had to undergo an abortion with the court's permission.
Court's Powerful Observations and Final Judgment
During the trial, the accused attempted a defense, claiming the girl had accompanied him willingly. The court, however, saw through this and firmly concluded the case fell into the category of a heinous crime.
In its powerful observations, the court stated, "We live in a society where the safety and security of children remains an unfulfilled promise... We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear." The judgment also referenced Article 45 of the Indian Constitution, which recognizes the importance of a child's dignity and the right to a healthy childhood free from exploitation.
The final sentencing included:
- Maximum imprisonment of 20 years under the BNS, Atrocity Act, and POCSO Act.
- A total fine of Rs 30,000, which is to be paid as compensation to the survivor if realized.
- An order for the survivor to receive Rs 1.5 lakh from the state government's Victim Compensation Fund.
The court emphasized the need for a justice system that not only focuses on punishing the accused but also works towards creating a societal environment where women and girls are safer, quoting Nelson Mandela to reinforce that safety is a result of collective consensus and public investment.
