Historic Verdict Delivered in Valsad District Under POCSO Act
Valsad, Gujarat: In a significant judgment, a special court in Vapi, established under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, sentenced a 25-year-old man to life imprisonment for the rape of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl. The crime occurred on August 27 last year in Gujarat’s Valsad district.
Fast-Track Investigation and Trial
The police acted swiftly in the case, filing a chargesheet within nine days of the crime. The trial was conducted on a fast-track basis, and the court delivered its judgment within six months. This marks the first life imprisonment conviction under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in Valsad district.
As part of the judgment, the court also ordered Rs 6 lakh compensation for the victim’s family. The prosecution successfully proved the accused’s involvement through witness statements, medical reports, and documentary evidence.
Swift Police Action and Investigation
Following the horrific incident, Valsad District Superintendent of Police Dr. Karanraj Vaghela formed a special investigation team (SIT) to ensure a watertight case. The SIT gathered medical, circumstantial, and other critical evidence against the accused.
The accused, who was a resident of the same building as the victim’s family, fled to Jharkhand after the crime. However, the SIT tracked him down and arrested him from a train in Mumbai. The charges were filed under BNS Act 65(2) and relevant sections of the POCSO Act, including Sections 4, 5 (m), 6, and 8.
Judiciary’s Strong Stand Against Crimes on Minors
The case was tried in the Vapi special POCSO court under Judge T V Ahuja. In his verdict, the judge stated, “The prosecution has proved the involvement of the accused in the rape case, based on the statements of witnesses and medical and documentary evidence. The accused is convicted and punished for life imprisonment till his last breath.”
Valsad Public Prosecutor Anil Tripathi emphasized the significance of the ruling, stating, “This is the first conviction of life imprisonment under the BNS Act in Valsad district and the second in the state in a minor’s rape case. This judgment will create fear among offenders and serve as a deterrent.”
Praise for the Police and Judiciary
State Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi praised the Valsad police for their swift investigation and the judiciary for its quick ruling. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he wrote, “Historic verdict in Valsad POCSO case. Within an hour, police arrested the accused, and a chargesheet was filed within 9 days. The Fast Track Court treated this case with utmost priority, delivering a verdict within 6 months – life imprisonment until death and a fine of Rs 50,000. Justice has been served to the daughter and her family, strengthening the nation’s faith in our judiciary.”
Eyewitness Testimonies and Strong Evidence
SIT Chief Deputy Superintendent of Police B N Dave revealed that the investigation team recorded video statements of eyewitnesses, including the victim’s mother and two other women who saw the accused. The victim’s family hails from Uttar Pradesh, and a government officer from their native city confirmed the girl’s age in court.
The police also recovered the accused’s torn shirt from his residence. CCTV footage and witness statements played a crucial role in securing the conviction.
Conclusion
The case has set a precedent for fast-track trials in child sexual abuse cases. The Gujarat government and judiciary’s swift actions have reinforced public trust in the legal system and sent a strong message against crimes involving minors. The victim’s family has received financial support, and law enforcement officials have been lauded for their commitment to justice.
