Bokaro POCSO Court Delivers Life Sentences in Heinous 2025 Minor Rape Case
In a landmark judgment that underscores the judiciary's firm stance on crimes against children, the Special POCSO court in Bokaro has sentenced two men, including the victim's own father, to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of an 11-year-old girl in 2025. The verdict, delivered by Special Judge Devesh Kumar Tripathi on Thursday, marks a significant moment in the legal battle for justice in one of Jharkhand's most distressing cases.
Chilling Details of the March 2025 Incident
According to Special Public Prosecutor Ravishankar Chaudhary, the horrific crime unfolded in March 2025 when the minor girl was just 11 years old. The mother of the victim had alleged that the accused father deceitfully took the child out of their home under the false pretext of purchasing medicines. His accomplice, a friend, then drove them to a secluded and isolated location. At this remote spot, the friend first, and subsequently the father, allegedly subjected the young girl to sexual assault. After returning home, the traumatized child bravely recounted the entire ordeal to her mother, who immediately took action by filing a First Information Report (FIR) against both perpetrators.
Court's Reliance on Forensic and Corroborative Evidence
Chaudhary emphasized that the court meticulously initiated a thorough legal process, heavily relying on a combination of forensic science reports, crucial CCTV footage, and other corroborative evidence to conclusively establish the guilt of both accused individuals. This robust evidentiary foundation was pivotal in ensuring that justice was served without compromise.
Severe Sentencing Under POCSO Act Provisions
The court imposed stringent penalties under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. For the charge under Section 4 of the Act, Special Judge Devesh Kumar Tripathi awarded each convict 25 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000. For the more severe charge under Section 6, both men were sentenced to life imprisonment, accompanied by an additional fine of Rs 20,000 each. The court ruled that both sentences would run concurrently, meaning the convicts will serve the life term. Furthermore, if they fail to pay the imposed fines, they will face an extra three years of rigorous imprisonment, adding to their already substantial punishment.
This verdict not only delivers justice to the young victim and her family but also sends a powerful message about the zero-tolerance approach towards sexual offenses against minors in India. The case highlights the critical role of forensic evidence and legal diligence in securing convictions in such sensitive matters.
