Prayagraj POCSO Court Imposes Death Penalty in 2024 Child Rape-Murder Case
A special court designated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Prayagraj has delivered a death sentence to a man convicted of raping and murdering an eight-year-old girl in 2024. Judge Vinod Kumar Chaurasia, presiding over the case, described the incident as "the cruellest one" and classified it under the rarest of rare category, justifying the capital punishment.
Court's Verdict and Rationale
In his ruling, Judge Chaurasia emphasized the severity of the crime, stating, "The brutality inflicted on the innocent is a threat to society. The case is extremely cruel, inhumane and shocking. The accused has zero chance of reform. Therefore, the culprit deserves the death penalty." Additionally, the court imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on the accused. The verdict was reached within 18 months of the incident, showcasing a swift judicial process.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The horrific crime occurred on October 3, 2024, in the Soraon area of Prayagraj. The victim, an eight-year-old girl, was returning home from a Durga Puja pandal when she was kidnapped by 26-year-old Mukesh Patel. According to Public Prosecutor Vinay Kumar Tripathi, Patel was seen taking the girl away on his bicycle on that day.
On October 4, 2024, the girl's body was discovered in a paddy field, bearing severe injuries. A criminal case was registered based on a complaint filed by the girl's mother. The postmortem report confirmed that she had been raped. Investigation revealed that Patel first raped the girl and then brutally murdered her in an attempt to conceal his crime.
Police arrested Patel twelve days later in an encounter. The charge sheet was filed on December 10, 2024, and the court framed charges on December 21, 2024. Patel was convicted on March 26, leading to this sentencing.
Historical Context and Significance
Public Prosecutor Tripathi noted that this death sentence marks the 10th such penalty handed down in the Prayagraj district and sessions court over the past 49 years. This case highlights the ongoing efforts to address heinous crimes against children under the POCSO Act, with the court's decision underscoring a zero-tolerance stance towards such atrocities.
The swift resolution of this case within 18 months reflects the judiciary's commitment to expediting justice in sensitive matters involving child safety and welfare.
