A special court in Bareilly dedicated to cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a 28-year-old man to rigorous life imprisonment for the rape of a nine-year-old girl earlier this year. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 22,000 on the convict.
Court's Stern Rebuke and the Crucial Evidence
In a powerful statement, the court condemned the act, noting that the accused, being of sound mind and full understanding, chose to commit a heinous and sinful act against an innocent child. It emphasized that such depravity left no room for leniency and warranted the strictest punishment under the law.
The conviction hinged on the compelling testimony of the young survivor and her medical report, which played a pivotal role in securing the guilty verdict. The prosecution successfully built a robust case based on this evidence.
Chronology of a Heinous Crime
The horrific incident occurred on January 30. The accused lured the Class V student to the terrace of a building under the false pretext of showing her a mobile phone. There, he sexually assaulted her. To ensure her silence, he threatened to kill her if she ever revealed the assault to anyone.
Despite the trauma and threats, the girl displayed immense courage upon returning home. She confided in her parents about the ordeal. Acting immediately, her parents took her to a local doctor for examination. The subsequent medical tests confirmed the rape, setting the legal process in motion.
Swift Legal Process and Final Judgment
Following the medical confirmation, a First Information Report (FIR) was registered under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act. The charges included rape and criminal intimidation. The police filed a chargesheet in February, demonstrating a swift investigative process.
During the trial, the prosecution presented testimonies from 10 witnesses, including the brave child survivor. After meticulously reviewing all evidence, Special POCSO Judge Devashish pronounced the sentence on Monday. Additional District Government Counsel (ADGC) Rajeev Tiwari stated that the court rejected the plea for any relaxation in punishment, leading to the life term.
This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to delivering stringent punishment in cases of crimes against children, relying on the courage of survivors and forensic evidence to bring perpetrators to justice.
