An 18-year-old male has been convicted of raping a 16-year-old girl and sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment by a sessions court in Dhoraji town, Rajkot district.
The verdict was delivered by Additional Sessions Judge A M Sheikh on January 29, who acquitted the accused of the charge of abduction.
The case originated from a complaint filed by the girl’s father at Dhoraji Taluka police station in June 2024, alleging abduction. At the time, the girl was 16 years old, and the accused was 18.
Both were taken into police custody, and a case was registered against the accused for abduction, rape, and offences under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (Pocso).
During the proceedings, the girl testified that she had known the accused for five years and that they were in a relationship. She stated that she had previously eloped with him six months before the alleged offence, but his uncle had asked her to return to her parental home.
She further alleged that after her return, she was frequently taunted for bringing dishonour to the family. Feeling distressed, she contacted the accused and asked him to take her away.
According to her testimony, she left her home at night while her family was asleep, carrying her Aadhaar card, birth certificate, and Rs 75,000 in cash.
The two travelled to Dhoraji, Rajkot, and Jamnagar, staying at the farm of the accused’s sister. While there, they learned that the police had summoned his parents for interrogation.
Subsequently, both surrendered at Dhoraji police station. The girl was presented before a judicial magistrate to record her statement under Section 164 of the Criminal Procedure Code, where she stated that they had engaged in consensual sexual relations.
During the trial, Additional Public Prosecutor Kartikey Parekh argued that, as the victim was underage, her consent to sexual relations could not be considered valid. He sought strict punishment under the Pocso Act.
The court, in its ruling, observed that the girl had left her home voluntarily and had called the accused.
Taking these facts into account, the court determined that the prosecution had failed to establish charges under IPC Sections 363 and 366, which pertain to kidnapping and abduction.
However, the court convicted the accused under IPC Section 376 (2) (N) and the Pocso Act, sentencing him to 20 years of imprisonment. Additionally, the court ordered compensation of Rs 7 lakh to be awarded to the victim.
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