Did Ranchi POCSO Court Really Sentence Four Men to Life for the Gang Rape of a Minor?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Four men sentenced to life imprisonment for gang raping a minor.
- The case highlights the urgent need for justice in sexual violence cases.
- Strong evidence presented by the prosecution was key to the conviction.
- The court's ruling sends a clear message against crimes against minors.
- Society must remain vigilant to protect the vulnerable.
Ranchi, Nov 24 (NationPress) A specialized court operating under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Ranchi has handed down life sentences to four individuals, including the boyfriend of the minor victim, for the gang rape of a teenage girl.
The ruling was delivered on Monday, following their conviction last Thursday, November 20. The sentencing was initially set for Saturday, November 22, but was postponed until Monday.
The individuals convicted -- Deepak Kumar, Nitesh Kumar, Bunty Tirkey, and Gopal Koiri -- were found guilty of this atrocious act. Another suspect, who is a juvenile, is currently undergoing trial in the Juvenile Justice Board.
As per the prosecution, the victim was familiar with the principal accused, Deepak Kumar. On October 2, 2023, he lured her to meet at Dhurwa Dam and subsequently took her to Deer Park on Khunti Road, where he engaged in sexual relations with her.
Afterward, Deepak summoned his friends -- Nitesh, Bunty, Gopal, and another minor -- and pressured the girl to accompany them to Dasham Falls, approximately 40 km from Ranchi. It was there that the group gang raped her.
The victim recounted being frightened throughout the incident and faced threats when she resisted.
The next day, Deepak abandoned her near Dhurwa Dam and fled the scene. Upon her return home, the girl informed her family, which resulted in the lodging of an FIR at Dhurwa-Hatia Police Station.
Law enforcement acted promptly, apprehending all adult suspects and placing them in judicial custody. The prosecution introduced compelling evidence, including the victim’s statements, medical examination findings, crime scene investigations, and other technical proofs.
With such evidence at hand, a detailed charge sheet was compiled. The special POCSO court deemed the evidence reliable and convicted the accused on November 20.
The court underscored that crimes of this nature against minors are extremely concerning for society and necessitate severe penalties to ensure justice and serve as a deterrent. Consequently, all four adult convicts received life sentences.