Pune Court Delivers 10-Year Sentence for Heinous Assault on Elderly Woman
A sessions court in Pune has delivered a significant verdict, convicting and sentencing a small-time trader from Mulshi taluka to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the brutal rape of his 75-year-old aunt. The horrific incident occurred on September 18, 2019, at an under-construction house belonging to the victim's family.
Details of the Crime and Legal Proceedings
The convict, who was 57 years old at the time of the offense, had taken his elderly aunt to a doctor's clinic in Kolvan, Mulshi taluka, under the pretext of assisting her with medical care. Prosecutors detailed that instead of returning her home after the visit, he diverted to the isolated construction site where he sexually assaulted her. He further threatened to kill her if she disclosed the traumatic event to anyone.
Tragically, the victim passed away during the pendency of the trial, which meant her direct testimony could not be recorded before the judge. However, the prosecution built a compelling case through alternative evidence.
Strong Chain of Evidence Secures Conviction
Additional Sessions Judge Harshal Kisan Bhalerao ruled that the prosecution successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt. The court relied on a robust chain of evidence, including:
- The victim's immediate disclosure of the assault to family members on the same day.
- Prompt registration of the First Information Report (FIR) at Paud police station.
- Medical examination findings that indicated recent physical injuries consistent with sexual assault.
- Circumstantial evidence placing the accused alone with the elderly woman at the isolated location shortly before the crime.
- Discovery of articles belonging to the victim at the identified crime scene.
Judge Bhalerao emphasized that while medical evidence alone may not be conclusive, it strongly corroborated the prosecution's version when considered alongside other testimonies and factual circumstances.
Additional Sentence and Legal Representation
In addition to the 10-year sentence for rape, the court also sentenced the convict to two years' imprisonment for criminal intimidation. The judge ordered that both sentences shall run concurrently, meaning the convict will serve a maximum of 10 years in prison.
The prosecution was represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Sanjay Pawar, who presented the case detailing the accused's actions and the subsequent medical and investigative findings. The court's decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to addressing crimes against vulnerable individuals, even in challenging circumstances where direct victim testimony is unavailable.
