Haridwar Court Sentences Man to 20 Years for Raping Minor
A fast-track court in Haridwar on Friday sentenced a 29-year-old man to 20 years of imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old girl in 2022, which resulted in her pregnancy. The convict, Himanshu Kamle, a daily wage worker and resident of Saraswati Vihar in Meerut, was also fined Rs 15,000.
Additional District Judge Chandramani Rai directed the state government to pay Rs 5 lakh compensation to the victim within one month.
The case dates back to September 2022, when the girl, who lived with her family in a rented house in the City Kotwali area, fell ill and was taken to a private hospital. An ultrasound examination revealed that she was six weeks pregnant.
When questioned by her family, the girl alleged that Kamle, who lived in a rented accommodation in the city, had been molesting her for some time and eventually raped her after finding her alone at home. He also threatened to kill her if she disclosed the assault to anyone, said government counsel Bhupendra Chauhan.
Following a complaint by the victim's elder brother, police arrested the accused. During the trial, the prosecution examined 11 witnesses, while the defense produced one witness.
The court's swift judgment highlights the seriousness of crimes against minors and the legal system's commitment to delivering justice. The compensation aims to support the victim's recovery and rehabilitation.
