Koderma Court Delivers 20-Year Sentence in Heinous Minor Rape and Blackmail Case
In a significant verdict that underscores judicial determination to combat crimes against children, a lower court in Koderma district has sentenced a 26-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the repeated rape and intimidation of a minor girl. The convict, a resident under the jurisdiction of Chandwara police station, committed these horrific acts in 2024, targeting a young relative in a betrayal of trust that has shocked the local community.
Court Imposes Heavy Penalties and Victim Compensation
The court of Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Pocso Judge Ghulam Haider not only delivered the substantial prison term but also imposed a cumulative fine of Rs 38,000 on the perpetrator. The judgment clearly stipulates that failure to pay this fine will result in an additional one year of incarceration, ensuring the penalty is enforced without compromise.
Demonstrating a victim-centric approach, the court directed that the entire fine amount be handed over to the survivor. Furthermore, it ordered additional support through the Victim Compensation Scheme, recognizing the profound trauma and long-term impact such crimes inflict on young lives. This dual financial provision aims to aid the victim's recovery and rehabilitation.
Grim Details of the Crime and Prolonged Blackmail Emerge
The incident, which occurred in 2024, came to light after the survivor's father filed a formal complaint at the local police station. According to prosecution statements, the convict, who was a relative of the minor girl, raped her on multiple occasions. In a particularly cruel twist, the survivor revealed during proceedings that the accused filmed the criminal acts and used the footage to blackmail and silence her for over a year.
This cycle of abuse and intimidation continued until the accused carried out his threat to circulate the video, which finally prompted the traumatized family to seek legal recourse. The matter then moved through the judicial system, culminating in this week's decisive verdict.
Legal Framework and Conviction Under Stringent Laws
The man was convicted under Section 4(2) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which deals with aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a child. Additionally, he faced charges under Sections 354, 354(A)(1), and 354(B) of the Indian Penal Code, covering assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage modesty, sexual harassment, and assault or use of criminal force to woman with intent to disrobe, respectively.
This comprehensive legal action reflects the judiciary's commitment to applying the full force of both specialized child protection legislation and general criminal law to ensure justice in cases involving sexual violence against minors. The verdict sends a strong message about the severe consequences awaiting those who exploit and harm children, particularly through methods involving recording and blackmail.
