A local court in Hisar has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl at a brick kiln in Bhiwani. The case came to light when the victim was discovered to be pregnant nearly nine months after the assault.
Court Verdict and Sentence
Additional Sessions Judge Sunil Jindal convicted the accused, identified as Rakesh alias Kaku, and imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh in addition to the custodial sentence. The court pronounced the judgment after a thorough trial, finding the accused guilty under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Details of the Incident
The case dates back approximately four years. The victim, then 17 years old, had traveled with her family to work at a brick kiln in Bhiwani. According to her complaint, in the early hours of April 2021, she stepped out of her hut to answer nature's call when an unidentified man grabbed her from behind and raped her. The attacker fled when she raised an alarm.
Discovery of Pregnancy
The case remained undetected for months. Initially, the survivor did not suspect she was pregnant. However, on the night of January 24, when the pain became severe, she informed her mother. She was rushed to a hospital, where doctors informed the family that she was pregnant and in labor. It was then that the victim disclosed the April 2021 rape as the cause of her pregnancy.
Investigation and Arrest
Police registered a case against an unknown accused on her complaint and initially transferred the investigation to Sadar Bhiwani Police Station. The case was subsequently returned to Hisar police, who identified and arrested Rakesh alias Kaku. The court, after a detailed trial, found him guilty and handed down the 20-year sentence.
The case highlights the importance of timely reporting and medical examination in sexual assault cases. The victim's family expressed satisfaction with the verdict, hoping it serves as a deterrent for such crimes.
