Why Did a Court in Bengal Sentence Three Men to Life for Gang-Rape?
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Synopsis
In a shocking ruling, a court in West Bengal has sentenced three men to life imprisonment for their involvement in a gang-rape case. The victim, engaged to one of the convicts, was brutally assaulted in a forest area. This incident highlights the alarming rise in sexual violence in the region.
Key Takeaways
- The court sentenced three men to life imprisonment for gang rape.
- The incident involved a woman engaged to one of the convicts.
- Compensation of Rs 10 lakh was awarded to the victim.
- Trial proceedings lasted nearly five years with 13 witnesses.
- This case reflects a troubling trend of sexual violence in West Bengal.
Kolkata, Dec 19 (NationPress) A trial court located in the West Midnapore district of West Bengal has handed down life sentences to three men following their conviction in a gang-rape case involving a woman who was engaged to one of the perpetrators.
The incident occurred in a secluded forest area in Garbeta in August 2020. Suraj Soren, the victim's fiancé, lured her to the forest under the guise of a wedding ceremony at a nearby temple.
Upon arrival, Suraj, along with his accomplices Dasharath Mandi and Kisan Mandi, proceeded to sexually assault her. A fourth individual involved in the crime was a minor at the time and faced separate proceedings in a juvenile court, as confirmed by public prosecutor Debasish Maiti after the ruling.
In addition to life imprisonment, the court levied a fine of Rs 1 lakh on each of the three convicts.
The court has also mandated the West Bengal government to provide the victim with a compensation of Rs 10 lakh.
All three were convicted under Section 376(D) of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses punishment for gang rape.
During the trial, the testimonies of 13 witnesses were collected over nearly five years.
West Bengal has drawn national attention in the past year due to a series of rape, gang rape, and rape-cum-murder incidents. Notably, the heinous rape and murder of a junior doctor at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata in August of last year stood out.
The sole convict in that case, Sanjay Roy, a former civic volunteer with the Kolkata Police, is currently serving a life sentence at the Presidency Central Correctional Home in south Kolkata.
Point of View
NationPress
20/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What led to the life sentences for the three men?
The trio was convicted in a gang-rape case involving a woman engaged to one of the accused, leading to their life sentences.
What were the circumstances of the crime?
The crime occurred in a forest area where the victim was lured under the pretense of a wedding ceremony.
What compensation was awarded to the victim?
The court directed the West Bengal government to pay a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim.
How long did the trial last?
The trial proceedings lasted nearly five years, involving testimonies from 13 witnesses.
What is the significance of this ruling?
This ruling highlights the urgent need for stronger measures against sexual violence in West Bengal and across India.
