A man in Chhota Udepur, Gujarat, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping a girl with a learning disability. The accused was arrested two years after the crime was committed. The court found him guilty based on medical reports and witness statements. TNN reported
The additional district and sessions judge in Vadodara has handed down a 10-year rigorous imprisonment sentence to Haresh Rathwa, a resident of Chhota Udepur taluka, for the rape of a girl with a learning disability. The incident occurred when the girl’s mother was away cutting fodder for her cattle and left her daughter alone at home. Upon returning, the mother discovered that her daughter was missing and began searching for her. She eventually heard her daughter’s screams and rushed to the scene, where she witnessed Rathwa raping her in an open field. Rathwa fled the scene upon seeing the mother. The accused claimed that the case against him was a result of a land dispute with the girl’s father, but the prosecution presented medical reports and witness statements to prove that the girl was indeed raped. The court acknowledged that the accused took advantage of the girl’s disability and committed a heinous crime against her.
In recent news, a man in Thane has been sentenced to life imprisonment for repeatedly raping his six-year-old stepdaughter. The victim’s mother reported the incident to the police after her daughter shared the ordeal and displayed burns on her body caused by the accused. The court examined five prosecution witnesses, including the victim and her mother, leading to the conviction. The judge accepted the prosecution’s evidence, stating that all charges were proven beyond a reasonable doubt. The accused was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and other sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Similarly, in Uttarakhand, a chef who kidnapped and raped his boss’s daughter has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The accused, who worked at the victim’s father’s restaurant, lured the minor to Nagpur under the pretense of marriage. The Uttarakhand police, with the assistance of the Maharashtra police, rescued the girl. The accused was arrested, and a medical report confirmed his DNA matched with samples from the victim. The prosecution presented ten witnesses to support their case.
In another tragic incident, a 17-year-old girl in Jhansi took her own life after being shamed by her teacher for consuming tobacco in front of her father. The girl’s father revealed that the school authorities had prohibited her from attending classes until she quit the habit. Upon returning home, the girl locked herself in her room and was later found hanging from a ceiling fan. The police will be conducting further investigations, including questioning the teacher and other students present during the incident.
Overall, these cases highlight the prevalence of sexual crimes and the vulnerability of victims, especially those with disabilities or in subordinate positions. The justice system’s efforts to hold perpetrators accountable and provide solace to victims are crucial in combating such heinous acts. It is essential for society to continue raising awareness, promoting gender equality, and fostering a safe environment for everyone..