Koderma Court Delivers Stern Justice in Minor Rape Case, Sentences Two to Decades in Prison
In a significant ruling underscoring zero tolerance for crimes against children, the court of Additional District and Sessions Judge First-cum-Special POCSO Judge Ghulam Haider in Koderma pronounced stringent sentences on Thursday. Two men, Neeraj Kumar and Akram Khan, were handed lengthy terms of rigorous imprisonment for the heinous rape and harassment of a minor girl, with the case originating in 2024.
Details of the Crime and Perpetrators
The convicted individuals are Neeraj Kumar, aged 23 and a resident of Rewari in Haryana, and Akram Khan, also known as Mukesh Chaudhary, from Koderma. The judicial process revealed a disturbing pattern of exploitation that began when Neeraj Kumar connected with the victim through social media platforms. After cultivating a friendship online, he traveled to Koderma to meet her in person. Upon gaining her trust through deceptive means, he sexually assaulted her and subsequently issued threats to ensure her silence about the traumatic incident.
Later in the same year, the second convict, Akram Khan, executed an even more calculated scheme. He introduced himself to the girl's family under the false identity of Mukesh Chaudhary, deceitfully earning their confidence by pretending to require medical treatment. This ruse allowed him to reside in their household. Over time, he too befriended the minor and, after establishing a rapport, subjected her to repeated rape. To compound the victim's suffering, Khan menacingly threatened to distribute her private photographs online if she disclosed the abuse to anyone.
Case Revelation and Legal Proceedings
It was only after enduring this second horrific ordeal that the minor girl found the courage to confide in her family members, revealing the full extent of her torment. Her mother acted swiftly by filing an official police complaint, which led to the prompt arrest of both accused individuals. The investigation uncovered the systematic nature of their crimes, including the use of digital platforms for initial contact and subsequent intimidation.
Court's Verdict and Sentencing Details
The court delivered a meticulously detailed judgment, imposing severe penalties that reflect the gravity of the offenses. For Neeraj Kumar, the sentence includes:
- 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, accompanied by a fine of Rs 20,000.
- An additional 20-year term under Section 4(2) of the POCSO Act.
- Further sentences ranging from one to seven years for related charges including kidnapping, criminal intimidation, and distribution of explicit content under the Information Technology Act.
The court specified that failure to pay the imposed fines would result in an extension of Kumar's prison term by up to one year for each primary count. All sentences are to run concurrently, ensuring substantial incarceration.
For Akram Khan, the court adopted an even sterner stance due to the aggravated nature of his actions. The judgment highlighted his deliberate concealment of identity to entrap the victim, the repeated acts of rape, and the threats to circulate her photographs. Describing these actions as particularly grave, the court sentenced him to:
- 25 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, with a fine of Rs 25,000.
- Additional penalties for identity concealment under Section 419 of the Indian Penal Code and violations of the IT Act.
Similar to the co-accused, all of Khan's sentences will run concurrently, but the longer term underscores the court's view of his conduct as more severe.
Broader Implications and Legal Context
This ruling serves as a powerful reminder of the judiciary's commitment to enforcing the POCSO Act, which is designed specifically to protect minors from sexual exploitation. The inclusion of charges under the Information Technology Act also addresses the growing misuse of digital platforms in such crimes, setting a precedent for future cases. Legal experts note that the concurrent sentencing ensures that the convicts face substantial time behind bars without the possibility of early release on technicalities.
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerabilities faced by minors in the digital age, where predators often use social media to initiate contact. It also highlights the critical role of familial support and prompt legal action, as demonstrated by the victim's mother, in bringing perpetrators to justice. Community advocates emphasize the need for continued vigilance and education to prevent such atrocities.
As the legal process concludes, the focus shifts to the implementation of the sentences and the ongoing support for the victim. The court's decisive action is expected to deter similar offenses and reinforce the message that crimes against children will be met with the full force of the law.
