Jhansi Court Delivers Life Sentence in 2022 Child Rape Case
In a significant verdict, a 35-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of a 7-year-old girl in Jhansi. The Special POCSO Court Judge Mohammad Niyaz Ahmad Ansari pronounced the judgment on Thursday, imposing a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the convict, Ravindra Ahirwar.
Details of the Heinous Crime
According to Special Public Prosecutor Vijay Kushwaha, the incident occurred on November 17, 2022, in a village under the jurisdiction of the Uldan police station. The accused, Ravindra Ahirwar, took advantage of the situation when the victim was alone at home. He lured the minor girl to a secluded spot while her mother was away working in the fields.
After committing the horrific act, Ravindra attempted to flee the scene. However, the victim's mother spotted him as he was putting on his clothes and immediately raised an alarm. Although the accused managed to escape initially, the young survivor later recounted the traumatic experience to her mother, who promptly approached the police to file a complaint.
Legal Proceedings and Evidence
A case was registered against Ravindra Ahirwar under Section 376(a)(b) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 5/6 of the POCSO Act. Following his arrest, he was sent to judicial custody, and his bail application was subsequently rejected by the court.
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including forensic reports and witness statements, which played a crucial role in establishing the guilt of the accused. The court found the evidence to be conclusive and beyond reasonable doubt.
Court's Verdict and Compensation
On Thursday, Special POCSO Court Judge Mohammad Niyaz Ahmad Ansari delivered the verdict, sentencing Ravindra Ahirwar to life imprisonment. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh. It was further ordered that the fine amount be handed over to the minor survivor as compensation for the trauma she endured.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's commitment to delivering swift and stringent punishment in cases of crimes against children, particularly under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
