A special court in Pune on Saturday convicted and sentenced a 34-year-old private firm employee from Narhe to 20 years of imprisonment for repeatedly raping his neighbor's 15-year-old daughter. The crimes occurred between January and March 18, 2022, with the accused threatening to kill the victim's parents. The accused has been in judicial custody since his arrest on March 20, 2022.
Additional Sessions Judge D.P. Ragit ruled that the prosecution presented direct evidence regarding the repeated rape at the accused's house, which was carried out under threats to harm the girl's parents. The judge noted that the survivor's testimony was corroborated by her parents, medical officers, and investigating officers. The evidence was described as consistent, corroborative, free from material omissions, contradictions, infirmities, and inconsistencies, and inspiring confidence. The judge concluded that the evidence was sufficient to prove the charges against the accused.
Details of the Case
According to Special Prosecutor Leena Pathak, the victim, who was in the ninth grade at the time, lived with her parents and elder brother in a rented house in Narhe. The accused, who is married and has a four-year-old daughter, resided in a neighboring house. The two families were well-acquainted, and the accused frequently visited the victim's home to meet her father.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the victim's parents bought her a mobile tablet for online studies. The victim alleged that during one of the accused's visits, he used her tablet to call his own number, thereby obtaining her contact number. Subsequently, he began sending her messages. The victim protested and even informed the accused's wife about his behavior.
Sequence of Assaults
The prosecution's case stated that the accused first raped the victim in January after forcibly taking her to his house. He repeated the offense in February, on March 14, and on March 18. Finally, the victim broke down and narrated her ordeal to her parents. They filed a complaint with the Sinhagad Road police, leading to the accused's arrest.
Compensation and Further Directions
The court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the accused and directed that the amount be paid to the rape survivor. Additionally, the court instructed the District Legal Services Authority in Pune to determine the quantum of compensation for the survivor under the state government's victim compensation scheme.
