Morbi POCSO Court Imposes Life Sentence for Heinous 2016 Kidnapping and Rape Case
A special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Morbi, Gujarat, has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing a man to imprisonment for the remainder of his natural life for the kidnapping and repeated rape of a 15-year-old girl in 2016. In a case that shocked the conscience of the community, six accomplices were handed five-year terms of rigorous imprisonment for their roles in the abduction and abetment of the crime.
Horrific Details of the 2016 Kidnapping and Captivity
According to the prosecution's detailed account, the horrific incident unfolded on the night of November 11, 2016, in Kotda Nayani village within Wankaner taluka. The victim, who was just 15 years and four months old at the time, was abducted around 2:30 AM when she stepped outside her home to use the bathroom. The prime accused, identified as Naresh alias Mahesh Solanki, orchestrated the crime with seven family members and associates.
The perpetrators forced the terrified teenager into a cargo rickshaw and transported her to a secluded farm managed by Naresh's family. To conceal their crime and prevent her from being seen, they dug a 5.5-foot-deep pit, covered it with wooden planks and tin sheets, and meticulously camouflaged the structure with soil. The girl was held captive in this underground pit from November 11 until her rescue on December 13, 2016—a period of over one month.
Repeated Assaults and Cruel Confinement
During her month-long captivity, Naresh repeatedly sexually assaulted the minor victim. She was allowed out of the pit only for basic physiological needs and was kept under strict surveillance at all times. The ordeal came to an end when her grandfather filed a police complaint, leading authorities to locate and rescue her from the concealed pit.
A subsequent medical examination revealed the victim was six weeks pregnant. The court later authorized the termination of this pregnancy. Forensic Science Laboratory analysis through DNA profiling provided decisive scientific evidence, confirming Naresh as the biological father of the fetus.
Court Rejects Defense Claims, Upholds POCSO Provisions
During the trial, the defense attempted to argue that Naresh and the victim were in a romantic relationship and that she had left her home voluntarily. They presented what they claimed were "love letters" and call recordings as evidence. However, Special POCSO Judge K R Pandya firmly rejected these arguments, emphasizing that under the POCSO Act, any purported "consent" from a minor is legally immaterial and holds no validity.
Public Prosecutor N D Kariya described the accused's actions as "barbaric" and "monstrous," highlighting the extreme cruelty of confining a child in a pit for over a month while subjecting her to repeated sexual violence.
Verdict and Sentencing Details
Special POCSO Judge K R Pandya convicted the following individuals:
- Naresh alias Mahesh Solanki (prime accused)
- Haresh Solanki
- Jayanti Solanki
- Devkaran Solanki
- Avchar Solanki
- Chana Solanki
- Kishor Solanki
Naresh received the severe punishment of imprisonment for the rest of his natural life, while the six other convicted individuals were sentenced to five-year terms of rigorous imprisonment. One accused, Chatur Solanki, died during the trial proceedings, resulting in abatement of the case against him.
The court also directed payment of Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the victim, acknowledging the profound physical and psychological trauma she endured. This verdict sends a strong message about the seriousness with which the judiciary treats crimes against children under the POCSO framework.
