5 sentenced to life for rape of minor girl on Navratri in Gujarat after two years; each fined ₹50,000

A special POCSO court in Vadodara, Gujarat, on Monday sentenced five men to life imprisonment for the gang-rape of a minor girl during Navratri celebrations in 2024. Additional District and Sessions Judge CM Pawar also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on each convict and ordered the state government to pay ₹10 lakh in compensation to the survivor. The court described the crime as "the most heinous," emphasizing the seriousness of sexual violence against women and minors during religious festivals like Navratri, dedicated to Goddess Amba.

The incident occurred on October 4, 2024, when the 16-year-old victim was returning home with her male friend through the Bhayli locality in Vadodara. Five men intercepted them on an isolated road, restrained her friend, and gang-raped her. The accused looted her mobile phone, which was later thrown into the Vishwamitra river. The prosecution presented strong evidence, including CCTV footage, DNA samples, and witness testimonies, to secure convictions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The convicts—Mumtaz, Ajmal, Munna Banjara, Saif, and Shahrukh—were all between 25 and 30 years old at the time of the crime. Special Public Prosecutor Nayan Sukhadwala stated that the court acknowledged the trauma inflicted but noted that the compensation could provide some relief. The case involved three special prosecutors and a 6,000-page chargesheet, reflecting the thoroughness of the investigation.

The court’s verdict underscored Gujarat’s "Save the Girl Child" initiative, highlighting the state’s commitment to protecting women while condemning such violent acts. The ruling comes amid ongoing discussions about women’s safety in India, particularly during festive seasons when public gatherings increase.

#GangRapeCase #Vadodara #POCSOAct #GujaratCrime #NavratriSafety #WomenSafety #LifeImprisonment #JusticeForMinor