Firozabad Court Delivers Justice After 29 Years in 1995 Attempted Rape Case
In a landmark verdict that underscores the persistence of the judicial system, a special SC/ST court in Firozabad has sentenced a 60-year-old convict to five years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 14,000 in a harrowing case dating back over three decades, involving the attempted rape of an 11-year-old Dalit girl.
Operation Conviction Brings Closure to Long-Pending Case
The incident, which occurred on May 6, 1995, had remained pending in court for years, leaving the victim and her family in a state of prolonged anguish. However, under the Uttar Pradesh Police's innovative 'Operation Conviction' initiative, authorities embarked on a determined mission to trace key individuals connected to the case.
Narendra Solanki, the additional district government counsel, revealed to TOI, "The case remained pending in court. Now, under 'Operation Conviction', police traced the girl, who is now 41, married, and settled in another district, and produced her before the court for testimony." He further added that retired police personnel, who served as witnesses in the original investigation, were also identified and located to provide crucial evidence.
Court Examines Witnesses and Evidence Before Delivering Verdict
After a thorough examination of all witnesses and evidence, the court of Additional District Judge Navneet Kumar Giri finally held the accused man guilty on Wednesday. The judge sentenced him to five years in jail and stipulated that half of the fine amount should be given to the victim as compensation for her trauma.
Following the court's verdict, the convict was immediately taken into custody and sent back to jail to serve his sentence. This swift action highlights the court's commitment to ensuring that justice is not only delivered but also enforced without delay.
Police Efforts and Witness Testimonies Strengthen Case
In an official statement, the Firozabad police emphasized the challenges overcome in this case. "The victim was only 11 years old at the time of the incident. Through tireless efforts, she was located," the statement read. It also noted that there were a total of four police officers who were witnesses in this case, all of whom had retired on pension over the years. Their testimonies provided a logical and strong basis for the prosecution, ultimately contributing to the conviction.
Background of the 1995 Incident and Legal Proceedings
The case originated in 1995 when the girl's father filed a complaint, leading to the registration of an FIR under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the SC/ST Act. The accused was initially arrested and sent to jail but later secured bail. Police subsequently submitted a chargesheet in court, detailing the horrific events.
In the complaint, the father recounted, "The accused forcibly took away our daughter while she was asleep. He grabbed her and attempted to rape her. When she screamed out aloud, he thrashed her repeatedly. Villagers came out and identified the man before he managed to flee." This account paints a vivid picture of the trauma endured by the young girl and the community's immediate response.
Significance of Operation Conviction in Uttar Pradesh
Notably, 'Operation Conviction' was initiated by the UP Police with the explicit goal of delivering swift and time-bound justice in serious criminal cases, particularly those involving hardened criminals. This case serves as a testament to the operation's effectiveness in revisiting long-pending matters and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable, regardless of the passage of time.
The verdict not only brings a measure of closure to the victim and her family but also sends a strong message about the resilience of India's legal system in protecting the rights of marginalized communities, such as Dalits, under the SC/ST Act.
