Bulandshahr Court Delivers Justice: Man Jailed 20 Years for Minor Rape, Father Also Convicted
In a significant development, a court in Bulandshahr, Uttar Pradesh, has recently delivered a strong verdict in a distressing case involving the kidnapping and sexual assault of a minor. The ruling underscores the judiciary's commitment to protecting children and ensuring strict penalties for such heinous crimes.
Key Verdict Details
Additional District Judge Manoj Kumar Singh presided over the case and handed down the following sentences:
- Main Accused (Son, 25 years old): Sentenced to 20 years of strict imprisonment for the kidnapping and sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl. He was also ordered to pay a fine of Rs 46,000.
- Co-Accused (Father): Sentenced to 3 years in jail for his role in the kidnapping. A fine of Rs 3,000 was also imposed on him.
The Horrific Incident
The incident dates back to October 22, 2021. On that day, a 16-year-old Class 10 student left her home for school but never returned. Investigations revealed she was abducted on her way. Special Public Prosecutor Mahesh Raghav explained that the son then sexually assaulted the girl at his residence while his father stood guard outside, preventing anyone from interfering or the victim from escaping.
Following her rescue, a medical examination confirmed the sexual assault, providing crucial evidence for the prosecution.
Legal Action and Court's Stance
An official police report (FIR) was filed against the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 363 (kidnapping), 368 (wrongfully concealing or keeping in confinement a kidnapped person), and 376(2)(i) (rape by a person in a position of trust), alongside relevant sections 5L/6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The POCSO Act specifically deals with crimes against children.
During the judgment, the court made a powerful statement, emphasizing the gravity of the crime. The judge observed, "Rape is far more than just a physical attack; it deeply harms a victim's dignity and personal freedom. Therefore, it is essential to impose severe punishment." This strong declaration highlights the court's stance on such offenses and its dedication to delivering justice for victims.
Impact and Future Steps
This verdict sends a clear message that crimes against minors will not be tolerated and will be met with stringent legal consequences. The justice served in this Bulandshahr case brings some closure to the victim and her family, reinforcing public trust in the legal system's ability to protect its most vulnerable citizens.
