Tantrik Receives Death Sentence for Heinous Crime Against Disabled Minor
In a landmark judgment that underscores the severity of crimes against children, the court of Additional Sessions Judge-4 and POCSO Court Judge Sanjiv Bhatia in Gumla has delivered a decisive verdict. On Monday, the court awarded capital punishment to a self-proclaimed tantrik for the brutal rape of a physically challenged minor girl in 2022.
Court Implements Stringent Penalties Under POCSO and IPC
The court pronounced the sentence of hanging the accused, Sanjay Vishwakarma, until death under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This severe penalty reflects the gravity of the offense committed against a vulnerable minor.
In addition to the death sentence, the court imposed life imprisonment and a substantial fine of Rs 1 lakh under Section 376(3) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which pertains to rape. Furthermore, the accused was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment along with a monetary penalty of Rs 10,000 under Section 430 of the IPC.
Sudhir Toppo, the Additional Public Prosecutor, confirmed the comprehensive nature of the punishments, stating that the court's decision sends a strong message against such atrocities.
Deceptive Healing Practices Mask Heinous Acts
The case dates back to 2022 when Sanjay Vishwakarma, a resident of the Ichak police station area in Hazaribag district, deceitfully assured the parents of the minor girl that he could heal her using herbal medicines. Exploiting their trust and the girl's physical disability, he frequently visited their home under the guise of providing treatment.
Vishwakarma would stay in a separate room, ostensibly to administer care, but instead repeatedly raped the young victim. The horrific abuse continued until August 26, 2022, when the girl's condition deteriorated critically, necessitating immediate medical attention.
She was admitted to the Sadar Hospital, where a medical examination tragically confirmed her pregnancy. This discovery prompted her parents to file a formal complaint with the local police, leading to the arrest and subsequent trial of the accused.
Legal Framework and Societal Implications
The court's ruling leverages stringent provisions under both the POCSO Act and the IPC to ensure justice is served. Section 6 of the POCSO Act mandates severe punishment, including the death penalty, for aggravated penetrative sexual assault on children, highlighting the legal system's commitment to protecting minors.
This case also sheds light on the exploitation of vulnerable individuals by fraudulent healers, emphasizing the need for greater public awareness and vigilance. The judgment serves as a stark reminder of the consequences awaiting those who prey on the defenseless, particularly children with disabilities.
As the legal proceedings conclude, this verdict stands as a testament to the judiciary's resolve in upholding justice and safeguarding the rights of the most marginalized members of society.
