Meerut Pocso Court Delivers Life Sentences in Heinous Gang-Rape and Murder Case
A Pocso court in Meerut has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing four men to life imprisonment for the brutal gang-rape and poisoning of a 16-year-old minor girl. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 25 on each of the convicts, marking a significant step in justice for the horrific crime that occurred in 2021.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
According to ADGC Avkash Jain, the crime unfolded on April 1, 2021, when the victim left her home around 3:30 pm to attend tuition classes. She returned at 5:15 pm in a severely distressed state, hobbling and in immense pain. Before her condition worsened, she managed to inform her mother that she was intercepted by one Lakhan and three other individuals. They dragged her into a nearby sugarcane field, where they sexually assaulted her. After the violation, they released her but threatened her with dire consequences if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
The girl was immediately rushed to a private hospital, but tragically, she succumbed to her injuries a few hours later. The postmortem report revealed the presence of a liquid in her stomach, which was identified as a potential cause of death, indicating poisoning in addition to the physical trauma.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
The prosecution presented a strong case, producing 12 witnesses before the court. On Wednesday, the court found the accused—Lakhan, Vikas Jatav, Robin, and Raja—guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Pocso Act. The charges included IPC sections 302 (murder), 328 (poisoning), 376-DA (gang-rape of a minor), and section 3/4 (2) of the Pocso Act. Following the sentencing, all four convicts were sent to jail to serve their life terms.
This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing crimes against minors and ensuring that perpetrators face severe consequences for such heinous acts. The case has drawn attention to the need for continued vigilance and legal enforcement in protecting vulnerable individuals in society.
