Why Was a Bengal Man Sentenced to Death for the Rape and Murder of His Minor Daughter?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Death penalty served for a father convicted of heinous crimes.
- Swift judicial process completed within 15 months.
- Significant evidence included DNA matching and witness testimonies.
- Case highlights the urgent need for child protection.
- Public awareness is crucial in preventing such tragedies.
Kolkata, Aug 6 (NationPress) A court in West Bengal's West Burdwan district issued a death sentence on Wednesday to a man found guilty of murdering his minor daughter following a horrific rape. The verdict was delivered just 15 months after the appalling crime was committed.
Judge Suparna Bandopadhyay of the specialized Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) court in Asansol announced the ruling after evaluating the testimonies of 16 witnesses and compelling evidence, including the father's DNA found on his daughter's body.
According to public prosecutor Somnath Chatteraj, the judge convicted the father within a year and three months based on the statements of these witnesses.
The tragic event occurred on May 13 of the previous year in the Narsinghbandh area of the Hirapur police jurisdiction in Asansol.
Upon discovering her 15-year-old daughter lying on a bed, bleeding from her nose and ears, the girl’s mother cried out, waking the neighbors who rushed to assist. The victim also bore a scar on her neck. The mother reported that her husband had obstructed her from seeking medical help. Neighbors ultimately took the girl to the hospital, where she was pronounced dead.
The initial autopsy indicated that the minor had been raped before being murdered. Following her mother's complaint, the father was arrested, leading to an investigation that revealed shocking details.
As police interrogated the father and analyzed the post-mortem report, they discovered that the minor had been both raped and strangled with a rope. This rope was later retrieved from a dustbin near their home.
On Monday, the Asansol court convicted the father based on the gathered evidence and the testimonies of 16 witnesses. The judge announced the sentence today.
Prosecutor Chatteraj stated that the accused's DNA was found on the victim's genitals. "Numerous pieces of evidence were located on the bed sheet. The court imposed the death penalty based on the mother's testimony, the statements of the investigating officer, medical professionals, and additional evidence," he concluded.