Amreli Court Hands Down 20-Year Sentence for Heinous Crime Against Disabled Sisters
A special Pocso court in Amreli delivered a stern verdict on Monday, sentencing a 25-year-old man to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment. The court found him guilty of abducting and raping a disabled fifteen-year-old girl. This case has drawn significant attention due to the vulnerability of the victims.
Severe Punishment and Financial Penalties Imposed
The court, under Special Judge Dharmendra C Shrivastava, did not stop at the lengthy prison term. It also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the convict, Raju, who is also known as Rahul Nayak. Furthermore, the judge awarded an additional seven-year sentence and a Rs 10,000 fine under Section 137(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. This charge related to the kidnapping of the victim's twelve-year-old sister, who also has a learning disability.
The sentences will run concurrently, meaning Nayak faces a substantial period behind bars. The court invoked both the Pocso Act and various provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita to ensure justice was served comprehensively.
Substantial Compensation Ordered for the Survivor
In a move to provide some solace to the victims, the court directed the payment of Rs 4 lakh in compensation to the fifteen-year-old survivor. This financial support aims to assist her recovery and future needs, acknowledging the severe trauma inflicted upon her.
Both sisters suffer from learning disabilities, which made them particularly vulnerable targets. The court's decision to award compensation underscores the legal system's recognition of their special circumstances.
Swift Police Action and Thorough Investigation
The case came to light after the victims' mother filed a formal complaint at the Damnagar police station in Amreli. Police arrested Nayak on January 11, 2025, following the registration of an FIR. The charges included multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Pocso Act.
According to the complaint, Nayak, a resident of Vadodara district, lured the two sisters away from their home. The elder sister later recounted how he led them through a cotton field to Dhruvaniya village. There, he sexually assaulted her while instructing her younger sibling to wait outside. After the assault, he abandoned both girls in the village.
Robust Evidence Led to Conviction
Investigating officer Rohit Rawal highlighted the efficiency of the police work. Evidence was collected within just eight days, leading to the filing of a chargesheet on January 19, 2025. The court formally framed charges against Nayak on March 29, 2025.
The prosecution built a strong case based on several key pieces of evidence:
- Medical testimony confirming the assault
- Detailed statements from both victims and their parents
- Forensic evidence supporting the allegations
- Victim depositions recorded under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
This thorough collection of evidence left little room for doubt, resulting in the swift conviction and sentencing. The court's firm stance sends a clear message about the seriousness of crimes against minors, especially those with disabilities.
