Gujarat: Lifelong Sentences for Convicts in Mangrol Rape Incident
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Synopsis
The convicts in the Mangrol gang-rape case have been sentenced to life imprisonment, with a swift court process concluding within 130 days. Despite alarming statistics regarding rape cases in Gujarat, conviction rates remain low, underscoring challenges in law enforcement.
Key Takeaways
- Convicts sentenced to life imprisonment.
- Trial concluded within 130 days.
- 18 pieces of evidence presented.
- Victim's family awarded Rs 10 lakh.
- Gujarat's rising rape cases highlight systemic issues.
Surat, Feb 17 (NationPress) In a pivotal turn of events, the convicts involved in the Mangrol gang-rape case have been sentenced to life imprisonment.
A young girl was assaulted in Kosamba, and the legal proceedings were finalized within 130 days. The court imposed life sentences on the accused, Munna Paswan and Raju.
Reports indicate that 18 pieces of evidence were submitted, and 47 witnesses provided testimonies during the trial. Tragically, a third suspect, Shiv Shankar Chaurasia, passed away due to health complications before the trial's conclusion. The investigation proceeded swiftly, with all three suspects taken into custody within 72 hours of the crime.
The charge sheet, containing 17 allegations, was submitted in less than 15 days. Impressively, the conviction was achieved within the 130-day timeframe, with pivotal evidence—including a motorcycle—being crucial to resolving the case.
Chief District Public Prosecutor Nayan Sukhdwala confirmed that the convicts would serve life sentences until they draw their last breath. Additionally, the court ordered a compensation of Rs 10 lakh for the family of the victim.
Incriminating mobile phone footage was also introduced as evidence during the judicial proceedings. The state of Gujarat has shown a troubling rise in reported sexual assault cases in recent years.
From 2017 to 2021, the state documented 2,633 rape cases and 31 instances of gang rape and murder. Despite these disturbing figures, the conviction rates remain alarmingly low, with only five individuals prosecuted for gang rape and murder during this span.
Further statistics from the Union Home Ministry reveal that between 2018 and 2021, 2,156 women were victims of rape in Gujarat, averaging about 45 assaults monthly.
The state also recorded 56 gang rape cases during these four years, with incidents increasing from eight in 2018 to 17 in 2021. This trend continued in the following years, with a total of 6,619 rape incidents reported from fiscal years 2020-21 to 2022-23.
Significantly, Ahmedabad noted the highest incidence of such crimes, with 1,065 rapes and 16 gang rapes reported during this period.
The annual statistics for Ahmedabad reflect an increase from 324 cases in 2020-21 to 371 in 2022-23. Despite the arrest of 8,480 individuals for these offenses, 267 suspects remain unapprehended. Alarmingly, 64 of these individuals have evaded capture for more than two years, highlighting significant challenges within the state's law enforcement and judicial systems.
