A trial court in Ranaghat delivered a significant verdict on Tuesday, sentencing three individuals to life imprisonment for the horrific gang rape of a 14-year-old girl in Nadia's Hanskhali, who subsequently died from her injuries in 2022. The court found them guilty of rape, criminal conspiracy, and destruction of evidence.
Guilty Verdicts and Sentences
The three primary convicts handed life sentences are Brajagopal Gayali, Prabhakar Poddar, and Ranjit Mallick. They were held guilty on Monday for the gang rape of the minor, hatching a criminal conspiracy, and destroying crucial evidence. Their convictions also fall under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
In addition to the main perpetrators, the court convicted several others for their roles in covering up the crime. According to a CBI spokesperson, Samarendu Gayali and Dipta Gayali (parents of convict Brajagopal) and Pijush Kanti Bhakta were found guilty of destroying evidence. Samarendu, a former Trinamool Congress panchayat member, and Pijush received five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine. Dipta Gayali was sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment.
Cover-Up and Intimidation Exposed
The court also addressed those who attempted to silence the victim's family. Angsuman Bagchi, who forcibly cremated the girl's body, was convicted of criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence, receiving a three-year rigorous imprisonment sentence.
Furthermore, Akash Barai and Surojit Roy were convicted for criminal conspiracy and criminal intimidation. They had threatened the victim's family against filing a First Information Report (FIR) and seeking medical treatment for the girl. Notably, both were juveniles at the time of the offence. The court fined them Rs 50,000 each and granted conditional bail.
Case Background and Aftermath
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had charged a total of nine persons in connection with the gang rape and tragic death of the teenager. The horrific incident occurred on April 4, 2022, during birthday celebrations for the son of a local Trinamool panchayat functionary. The victim succumbed to her injuries the following day. In a shocking attempt to conceal the crime, her body was hastily cremated, allegedly under pressure from the convicts.
Following the verdict, the convicted individuals have indicated their intention to challenge the decision in the Calcutta High Court. The case has highlighted the brutal crime and the extensive efforts to obstruct justice, culminating in Tuesday's sentencing.
