Daily Wage Worker Arrested for Sexual Harassment of Minor Neighbor in Baramati
A 52-year-old daily wage laborer from Baramati, Pune district, was arrested on Tuesday for allegedly sexually harassing his neighbor's 10-year-old daughter. This arrest comes approximately eight-and-a-half years after the Bombay High Court acquitted him in a previous rape case.
Details of the Recent Incident
According to Inspector Shrishail Chiwadshetti of the Baramati city police, the incident occurred on Monday. The suspect lured the minor girl to his house under the pretext of giving her a chocolate. Once inside, he sexually assaulted her. The girl raised an alarm when he inappropriately touched her, prompting the suspect to release her. However, he allegedly threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
The girl's mother lodged a complaint soon after her daughter narrated the traumatic experience. Police have registered a case under sections 74 (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and 75 (sexual harassment) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
Inspector Chiwadshetti revealed that preliminary investigations indicate the man may have molested another girl recently, though details are still emerging. The complainant and the suspect had been neighbors and were known to each other quite well, adding a layer of betrayal to the crime.
Background: Previous Conviction and Acquittal
This is not the first time the accused has faced serious charges. In a 2009 case, he was convicted by a Baramati sessions court on April 6, 2011, for raping a 13-year-old girl. The crime involved luring the victim under the guise of dropping her home from school. The court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape, with additional concurrent sentences for kidnapping, criminal intimidation, and offences under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
However, in an appeal, the Bombay High Court on August 7, 2017, quashed and set aside this conviction. The court held that the rape survivor's deposition, taken as a whole, did not inspire confidence and lacked corroboration from medical or other evidence. Consequently, the accused could not be convicted solely on the survivor's testimony.
Following the high court order, the man was released after serving about eight years in jail. Since then, he had been working as a daily wage laborer until his recent arrest. He is currently lodged in jail under judicial custody as per a local court's order.
Legal and Social Implications
This case highlights ongoing concerns about sexual offences against minors and the challenges in securing convictions. The use of the Pocso Act in the recent charges underscores the legal framework aimed at protecting children from sexual abuse. Authorities are emphasizing the seriousness of the new allegations, given the suspect's history.
The incident has sparked discussions in the community about safety and vigilance, particularly regarding known offenders. Police are continuing their investigation to uncover any further instances of misconduct and ensure justice for the victims.
