A special court in Jhansi has delivered a stern verdict in a horrific case of sexual assault against a minor, sentencing the accused to life imprisonment. The judgment underscores the judiciary's stringent approach towards crimes under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Court Delivers Life Term and Heavy Fine
Special POCSO Act Judge Mohd Niyaz Ahmad pronounced the sentence on Friday, handing down life imprisonment to 23-year-old Sumit Ahirwar. The court also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 2,11,000 on the convict. In a significant directive, the judge ordered that the entire fine amount be provided to the survivor for her rehabilitation and future care.
Details of the Heinous Crime
The traumatic incident occurred in a village under the jurisdiction of the Samthar police station on December 18, 2023. According to Additional District Government Counsel (ADGC) Vijay Kushwaha, the accused, who was from the same village, took advantage of a moment when the child was alone at her home.
Sumit Ahirwar lured the three-year-old girl to a deserted location on the false pretext of getting her something to eat. There, he brutally raped the minor. The assault left the victim bleeding and with severe bruises all over her body. The heinous nature of the crime sent shockwaves through the local community.
Swift Legal Process and Charges
Following the crime, the police acted promptly, arresting Sumit Ahirwar and sending him to jail. He was formally charged under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act. The charges included:
- Section 376 (rape) of the IPC
- Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt) of the IPC
- Section 363 (kidnapping) of the IPC
- Sections 5(m) and 6 of the POCSO Act, which deal with aggravated penetrative sexual assault and its punishment
The trial proceeded in the special court, where the evidence presented led the judge to find the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt. The conviction and the subsequent life sentence highlight the effective functioning of the fast-track system intended for such grievous offences against children.
This verdict from Jhansi serves as a powerful reminder of the legal consequences for such depraved acts and the judiciary's commitment to securing justice for the most vulnerable victims. The order to transfer the fine to the survivor is a crucial step towards acknowledging the long-term support she will require.
