Aligarh Court Delivers 20-Year Sentence in 2017 Child Rape Case
In a significant verdict, a local court in Aligarh has handed down a 20-year sentence of rigorous imprisonment to a 25-year-old man for the rape of a 10-year-old girl that occurred in 2017. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict, who was 17 years old at the time of the offence.
Details of the 2017 Incident
According to Additional District Government Counsel Sanjay Sharma, the horrific incident took place on August 4, 2017. The accused lured the young girl to an under-construction house under the pretext of playing with her. Once there, he sexually assaulted the child in what has been described as a brutal attack.
The victim's father filed a police complaint stating that around 4 pm, his daughter was taken by a neighbour—who resided in the same village—to the under-construction house belonging to the accused's uncle. It was at this location that the rape occurred.
Parents Witness the Crime
The court heard how the girl's parents rushed to the scene upon hearing their daughter's cries. They arrived to find the accused throwing their daughter to the ground while forcibly raping her. When the accused noticed the parents, he immediately fled the scene.
The parents attempted to apprehend him, but he managed to escape their grasp, according to the official statements presented during the trial.
Legal Proceedings and Investigation
Following the complaint, police registered a case under Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused was subsequently arrested and sent to jail.
Weeks after the arrest, police filed a chargesheet in court, and months later, the accused was released on bail while awaiting trial. The legal process continued with both sides presenting their arguments and evidence before the court.
Court's Verdict and Sentencing
After carefully hearing both sides and examining all evidence and witnesses, Additional District and Sessions Judge Pradip Kumar Ram of the POCSO Court found the accused guilty of the charges. On Tuesday, the court delivered its sentence.
The convicted man received 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹50,000. The court specified that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months of imprisonment. Furthermore, the court ordered that the fine amount be given directly to the victim as compensation.
Post-Judgment Proceedings
Immediately after the judgement was pronounced, the convicted man was taken into police custody and sent to jail to begin serving his sentence. Additional District Government Counsel Sharma confirmed that all legal procedures were followed in the transfer of the convict to prison.
This case highlights the serious consequences of crimes against children under India's legal framework, particularly under the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act. The verdict serves as a reminder of the judicial system's commitment to delivering justice in cases involving sexual violence against minors.
