Chinchwad Resident Sentenced 21 Years Rigorous Imprisonment For Kidnapping And Raping 4-Year-Old Niece

A special court on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a 30-year-old Chinchwad resident to 21 years’ rigorous imprisonment for raping his four-year-old niece in 2018. The convict, who had violated an externment order, was found guilty of kidnapping and raping the minor near the railway tracks behind Nagsennagar settlement on October 2, 2018. Special Judge KP Kshirsagar observed that the survivor’s testimony was “truthful and reliable” and corroborated with evidence from other witnesses. The judge noted that the survivor had broken into tears upon seeing the accused during the test identification parade, demonstrating her genuine fear and distress.

The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Nitin Konghe, relied on testimony from 10 witnesses to prove the accused’s guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Konghe highlighted the accused’s criminal antecedents, including 11 previous cases, and his violation of the externment order to commit the crime.

The court sentenced the convict to 21 years’ rigorous imprisonment under section 376-AB of the IPC, which pertains to the rape of a minor under 12 years. Additional sentences were imposed for kidnapping, rape by a relative, and aggravated sexual assault under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act.

In his judgment, Judge Kshirsagar stated, “The evidence of all prosecution witnesses is unblemished and free from any kind of doubts. The accused committed the crime to get pleasure by forceful sexual assault.” The court’s verdict brings justice to the survivor and her family, and serves as a deterrent to potential offenders.