Bokaro POCSO Court Delivers Life Sentences in Heinous Minor Rape Case
In a landmark judgment that underscores the judicial system's commitment to protecting children, a special POCSO court in Bokaro has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of an 11-year-old girl in 2025. The convicts include the victim's own father, marking a particularly distressing betrayal of trust within the family unit.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing Details
Special Judge Devesh Kumar Tripathi presided over the case and delivered the verdict on Thursday, following a thorough legal process. According to Special Public Prosecutor Ravishankar Chaudhary, the court meticulously examined the evidence before reaching its conclusion.
The sentencing was structured as follows:
- Under Section 4 of the POCSO Act, each convict received 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000.
- For the more severe charge under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, both were sentenced to life imprisonment along with an additional fine of Rs 20,000 each.
- The judge ordered that both sentences would run concurrently, meaning the life imprisonment term takes precedence.
- Importantly, the convicts will face an extra three years of rigorous imprisonment if they fail to pay the mandated fines, adding a financial penalty to their incarceration.
Background of the Case and Evidence Presented
The case originated from a complaint filed by the girl's mother, who acted swiftly upon learning of the atrocity. The incident occurred in March 2025, when the accused father deceitfully took his daughter out of their home under the pretext of purchasing medicines.
His friend later joined them, and together, they drove the minor to an isolated location. There, the friend allegedly raped the girl first, followed by her father in a shocking act of paternal violation. After returning home, the traumatized child bravely narrated the ordeal to her mother, who immediately lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against the accused.
SPP Chaudhary emphasized that the court's decision was firmly grounded in robust evidence. The forensic science report provided crucial biological evidence, while CCTV footage from relevant locations helped establish the timeline and movements of the accused. Other corroborative evidence further solidified the prosecution's case, leaving no room for doubt regarding the guilt of both individuals.
Broader Implications and Legal Context
This case highlights the severe penalties under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which aims to deter such crimes through stringent punishments. The involvement of a parent as a perpetrator adds a layer of complexity, often making detection and prosecution more challenging due to familial dynamics.
The swift action by the mother in filing the complaint and the court's reliance on scientific evidence demonstrate a positive trend in handling such sensitive cases. It sends a strong message that such heinous acts will not be tolerated, regardless of the perpetrator's relationship to the victim.
As the convicts begin their life sentences, this verdict serves as a reminder of the legal system's role in upholding justice for the most vulnerable members of society. The additional penalty for non-payment of fines further underscores the comprehensive nature of the punishment, aiming to ensure accountability on multiple fronts.
