A district court in Chandigarh has delivered a significant verdict, sentencing a 50-year-old man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a woman in 2018. The case, which stemmed from a deceptive job interview, saw the court convict Ashok Kumar under stringent sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The Crime and Investigation
The incident dates back to February 23, 2018. According to the prosecution, the survivor had uploaded her resume online seeking employment. She received an interview call and reached the designated venue in the Industrial Area around 7:30 PM. The convict, Ashok Kumar, was present at the location, and another woman arrived later.
The complainant stated that Ashok Kumar offered her a cold drink, which was allegedly laced with sedatives. After consuming it, she lost consciousness. She regained her senses the next morning to find herself undressed and realized she had been sexually assaulted by the accused.
Following her complaint, the Industrial Area police station in Chandigarh registered a First Information Report (FIR) against Ashok Kumar under Section 376(2) of the Indian Penal Code in November 2018. This section pertains to the punishment for rape.
Court Proceedings and Defence Arguments
During the trial, the defence counsel for Ashok Kumar argued that his client was falsely implicated. The defence claimed that after the FIR was registered, the accused confronted the woman about the false case. Allegedly, she then admitted that she had filed the complaint under the influence of another person and that no promise of a job had ever been made by Kumar. The defence asserted that the FIR was a tool for revenge.
However, the prosecution presented evidence and testimonies to counter these claims. The court, presided over by Additional District and Sessions Judge Dr. Yashika, meticulously examined all arguments and evidence presented by both sides.
The Verdict and Sentencing
After hearing the final arguments, the court found the defence's claims unconvincing and placed its reliance on the evidence provided by the prosecution. Ashok Kumar was held guilty of the charges of rape.
On Wednesday, the court announced its sentence, awarding seven years of rigorous imprisonment to the convict. The verdict underscores the judiciary's stance on crimes against women, particularly those involving deception and breach of trust.
This case highlights the dangers vulnerable job seekers can face and the importance of legal recourse. The Chandigarh police's investigation and the subsequent court judgment mark a step towards justice for the survivor after a legal battle that lasted several years.
