A court in Uttar Pradesh's Bulandshahr district has delivered a stern verdict in a harrowing case of kidnapping and sexual assault, sentencing a young man to two decades of rigorous imprisonment and sending his father to jail for his role in the crime.
Court Delivers Justice in 2021 Kidnapping and Rape Case
Additional District Judge Manoj Kumar Singh pronounced the judgment, sentencing the 25-year-old convict to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the offences of kidnapping and raping a minor girl. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 46,000 on him. His father was sentenced to three years in prison for the charge of kidnapping and fined Rs 3,000.
Chilling Details of the October 2021 Crime
The case traces back to October 22, 2021. A 16-year-old girl, who was a Class X student at the time, left her home for school but never returned. According to the prosecution, she was abducted on her way. The horrific incident took place at the convict's house, where he sexually assaulted the minor. Shockingly, his father stood guard outside the house during the assault, facilitating the crime.
The survivor was later rescued by authorities. A medical examination conducted afterwards confirmed the sexual assault, providing crucial evidence for the case. Based on the complaint, an FIR was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) - 363 (kidnapping), 368 (wrongfully concealing a kidnapped person), and 376(2)(i) (rape of a woman under sixteen years) - along with sections 5L/6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Court's Strong Observation on the Gravity of Rape
While delivering the verdict, the court made a powerful observation on the nature of the crime. It stated that "Rape is not just an assault, it violates a victim's dignity & personal liberty." Emphasizing the need for stringent punishment to deter such offences and deliver justice, the court's remarks underscored the severe impact of sexual violence.
Special Public Prosecutor Mahesh Raghav, who represented the state, presented the case detailing the sequence of events, the father's complicity, and the medical evidence. The successful prosecution and the substantial sentences highlight the judiciary's firm stance on crimes against minors, especially under the stringent POCSO Act.
The verdict brings a measure of closure to a case that shocked the local community and serves as a reminder of the legal consequences for such grave violations of personal safety and dignity.
