Thane Court Hands Down 20-Year Sentence in Minor Assault Case
A special court in Thane delivered a strong verdict in a disturbing case of sexual assault against a minor. Judge Ruby U Malvankar presided over the proceedings and sentenced a 26-year-old fisherman to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment. The court found the man guilty of repeatedly assaulting a young girl under the false pretense of a marriage proposal.
Deceptive Relationship and Repeated Assaults
The court heard how the accused, a married man with two children, developed a romantic relationship with the victim. He gained her trust by professing love and making promises of marriage. The victim worked as a domestic help and fish cleaner in Uttan. She first met the accused in August 2022.
From that month until September 2023, the fisherman periodically assaulted the minor. His actions resulted in the victim becoming pregnant. When she confronted him about the pregnancy, the accused finally revealed his true marital status. He refused to accept her and even issued threats. The victim later underwent a medical termination of pregnancy at twenty-two weeks.
Court's Observations on Consent and Deception
Judge Malvankar delivered the judgment on January 13, 2026. She highlighted the deceptive nature of the accused's actions. The court observed that the man never disclosed his marital status to the victim. If he had done so, she might never have entered into such a relationship with him.
"Therefore, her consent was clearly obtained by deception," the court stated. "The sexual relations fall into the definition of 'rape' under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code." The judge emphasized that the POCSO Act aims to protect children from sexual offences. Stronger punishments help curb such criminal tendencies.
Legal Charges and Sentencing Details
The court convicted the fisherman under specific legal provisions:
- Section 5 (Aggravated Penetrative Sexual Assault) of the POCSO Act, punishable under Section 6
- Section 376(2)(n) of the IPC for repeatedly committing rape on the same woman
- Section 506 of the IPC for criminal intimidation
For the POCSO offence, the court sentenced him to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment. It also imposed a fine of five thousand rupees. For criminal intimidation, the court levied an additional fine of one thousand rupees. Both sentences will run concurrently.
The special public prosecutor presented the case details to the court. This verdict sends a clear message about the serious consequences of exploiting minors through deception and false promises.
