Former Air Force Personnel Receives 20-Year Sentence for Daughter's Abuse
A special POCSO court in Dehradun delivered a strong verdict on Wednesday. The court sentenced a former Indian Air Force personnel to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment. He sexually abused his own daughter for many years, starting when she was just about six years old.
Survivor's Harrowing Testimony in Court
The brave survivor told the court about her painful experiences. Her father repeatedly told her the abuse was normal. He claimed this was how fathers showed love to their daughters. The court found him guilty under multiple serious charges.
These charges include IPC sections 376 for rape, 377 for unnatural offences, and 506 for criminal intimidation. The court also applied sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act. Special Judge Archana Sagar imposed a fine of twenty-five thousand rupees on the convict.
Abuse Comes to Light After Years of Suffering
The horrific abuse finally came to light in November 2023. The daughter, then seventeen years old, gathered courage and told her mother everything. She revealed what had been happening to her over many years. The shocked mother immediately filed a police complaint the same day.
Police arrested the accused on November 20, 2023. He has remained in jail since that arrest. The family faced additional challenges during these difficult years. The victim's younger brother has special needs. Another sibling suffers from a serious illness.
Abuse Occurred Across Multiple States
Court proceedings revealed the assaults took place in several locations. The family moved to different states due to the man's Air Force postings. These places included Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand. The abuse continued even during family crises.
According to the survivor, her father assaulted her when her mother was hospitalized after a road accident. He also abused her when the mother traveled to Delhi for their son's medical treatment. The man physically assaulted his wife too, creating an atmosphere of fear at home.
Court Relies on Strong Evidence and Testimony
The court based its decision on multiple pieces of evidence. The survivor gave consistent statements recorded under section 164 of the CrPC. Medical reports supported her account. Eight witnesses provided crucial testimony.
These witnesses included her mother, other relatives, doctors, and the investigating officer. The convict tried to defend himself by claiming the case was false. He argued he had problems in his marriage. The court firmly rejected this argument.
Prosecution Proves Case Beyond Reasonable Doubt
Public prosecutor Alpana Thapa explained the court's position clearly. The survivor's testimony remained firm even during grueling cross-examination. The prosecution successfully proved all charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The former Air Force personnel had been suspended from service earlier. The court's twenty-year sentence sends a strong message about such crimes. It highlights the importance of protecting children from abuse within families.
