How Did the Jalpaiguri POCSO Court Sentencing Lead to 25 Years of RI for Rape of a Minor?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- 25 years of RI for the convicted man.
- Financial penalty of Rs 2 lakh imposed.
- Additional two-month imprisonment for failure to pay.
- Rs 10 lakh financial assistance awarded to the victim's family.
- Significant reliance on DNA evidence and witness testimonies.
Kolkata, Dec 8 (NationPress) In a significant verdict, a special court dealing with the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, has convicted a man and sentenced him to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for the heinous crime of raping a minor girl after a thorough nine-month investigation.
Additionally, the court has imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the convict.
Failing to pay this amount will result in an additional two months of imprisonment for the offender.
Moreover, the judge has directed that the family of the minor girl receive financial assistance of Rs 10 lakh as part of the judgment.
As per court documents, the crime occurred in a village under the Dhupguri police station in Jalpaiguri district in October of the previous year.
The accused allegedly raped the minor girl under threats, subsequently coercing her to keep the incident secret.
As a result of the attack, the young victim became pregnant, and the perpetrator was a neighbor.
Once the incident was discovered, a formal complaint was lodged with the local police station in March of this year.
Following this, the police apprehended the accused and initiated proceedings under the POCSO Act.
The court received the DNA test results of the minor's child, conducted after the suspect's arrest, as part of the evidence.
Based on extensive evidence and witness testimonies, the judge delivered the sentence.
Jalpaiguri POCSO Court's Assistant Public Prosecutor, Debashish Daw, stated, "The judge has convicted the accused and sentenced him to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment based on the statements and evidence from nine witnesses."
Following this decision, the victim's family expressed their satisfaction with the court's ruling.
According to police officials, this case is viewed as a triumph for thorough investigative efforts and prompt actions following the family's complaint.