Mathura Court Hands Life Sentence to Elderly Man for Heinous Crime Against Granddaughter
A court in Mathura has delivered a powerful verdict, sentencing a 76-year-old man to life imprisonment for the brutal rape of his 17-year-old granddaughter. The court pronounced this judgment on Saturday, marking a significant moment in a case that has shocked the local community.
Court Condemns Betrayal of Familial Trust
The additional district and sessions judge-II, Brijesh Kumar, observed the grave nature of the crime. The court stated clearly that the grandfather had a responsibility to protect his family members. Instead of fulfilling this duty, he committed a horrific act that shattered the very foundation of family relationships.
"In this particular case, the victim's father worked outside the home," the court noted. "Under these circumstances, the grandfather should have provided protection to the girl, her mother, and her siblings. He failed in this basic responsibility and committed rape, destroying the dignity of family bonds. His actions represent a heinous crime."
Detailed Account of the Assault
Special public prosecutor Rampal Singh provided a detailed chronology of events. The crime occurred on July 7, 2020, when the girl found herself alone at home. Her mother and elder sister had gone out to purchase groceries.
The grandfather seized this opportunity, dragging the Class 10 dropout into her room and raping her. After the assault, he threatened her, warning her not to speak about the incident to her mother.
The prosecutor revealed that the man attempted to repeat the crime on August 2. This second attempt prompted the terrified girl to finally confide in her mother about the ongoing abuse.
Legal Proceedings and Family Division
The mother immediately took action, filing a formal complaint on August 4, 2020. Police registered a First Information Report under multiple legal provisions:
- IPC Section 376 for rape
- IPC Section 506 for criminal intimidation
- The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act
Authorities arrested the 76-year-old during the investigation. Police completed their probe and filed a chargesheet, moving the case toward trial. The accused consistently denied all allegations throughout the legal process.
A painful family division emerged during the trial. The victim's father surprisingly sided with the accused, his own father. He presented a defense claiming his daughter had fabricated the allegations.
"I worked outside the home," the father testified. "My father looked after my family in my absence. My younger daughter used to talk on the mobile with a local boy. My father tried to control her behavior and stopped her from speaking to him. She became upset about this restriction and made these false allegations."
Evidence That Secured Conviction
The mother provided crucial testimony that countered the father's claims. She stood firmly by her daughter's account, telling the court that the accused had indeed raped her child.
Medical examination results provided concrete support for the allegations. The medical report clearly indicated signs of sexual assault, offering physical evidence that matched the victim's testimony.
The court carefully considered all available evidence:
- The detailed statements from both mother and daughter
- The medical report confirming sexual assault
- Technical evidence gathered during investigation
- The contradictory testimony from the father
After thorough deliberation, the court found the accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt. In addition to the life imprisonment sentence, the court imposed a financial penalty of Rs 55,000 on the convict.
This verdict sends a strong message about the severity of crimes against children within family settings. It emphasizes that familial relationships cannot shield perpetrators from justice when they commit such grave offenses.
