A POCSO court has sentenced six more individuals to life imprisonment in the 1992 Ajmer sex scandal, which involved the systematic rape of over 100 girls. Each convict was also fined Rs. 5 lakh, advancing justice for the victims.
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JAIPUR: A POCSO court has sentenced six additional individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in the notorious Ajmer sex scandal, a case that has haunted the city since it first came to light in 1992. This case, which involved the systematic rape and blackmail of over 100 young girls, has finally seen a significant number of its perpetrators brought to justice. The court also imposed a fine of Rs.5 lakh on each of the convicted men, marking a substantial step towards closure for the victims and their families.
Convicted Accused and Their Crimes
Prosecution counsel Virendra Singh revealed that the six men—Nafees Chishti, Naseem alias Tarzan, Salim Chishti, Iqbal Bhati, Sohail Gani, and Sayed Zameer Hussain—were found guilty of their roles in the Ajmer sex scandal. These men were part of a larger group that preyed on young girls, many of whom were between the ages of 11 and 20.
“The accused committed a grave crime by befriending innocent school and college girls, photographing them in compromising situations, and then using those images to blackmail and sexually assault them.”
-explained the prosecution counsel.
The scandal shocked the nation when it was uncovered in 1992, revealing the extent to which these criminals operated with impunity. The case initially involved 18 accused individuals, with the first charge sheet being filed against 12 of them.
History of the Case and Previous Verdicts
Among the accused, Naseem alias Tarzan had been absconding since 1994. Another accused, Jahur Chishti, was found guilty under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to unnatural sex, and his case was transferred to a different court.
The prosecution counsel added-
“Farooq Chishti’s trial was held separately due to his diagnosis of schizophrenia, leading to his life imprisonment sentence in 2007. Tragically, one of the accused later died by suicide.”
The first wave of justice in this case came in 1998 when eight of the accused were sentenced to life imprisonment. The case, however, was far from over as the investigation continued for the remaining accused. A second charge sheet was subsequently filed against six other men—Nafees Chishti, Salim Chishti, Iqbal Bhati, Sohail Gani, Sayed Zameer Hussain, and Almas, with the latter still remaining at large.
The final ruling on Tuesday brought closure for five of the remaining accused named in the initial charge sheet, who had been absconding since the case broke out.
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“The other accused, who were sentenced earlier, have either served their sentences in full or been acquitted by the courts.”
-noted the prosecution counsel, highlighting the complexities and long duration of the legal process.
The separate trial conducted for these six men was necessary because their investigation was not complete at the time the first charge sheet was filed. The victims, who were students at a prominent private school in Ajmer, had been lured to a secluded farmhouse where they were sexually assaulted. The trauma inflicted on these young girls by the systematic abuse was profound, and this verdict is seen as a crucial step in delivering justice.
The Ajmer sex scandal remains one of the most shocking and disturbing cases in India’s criminal history. The way these men manipulated, exploited, and destroyed the lives of so many young girls left an indelible mark on the community. However, the recent verdict has provided a glimmer of hope that justice, although delayed, can still be achieved.
“The conviction and sentencing of these six men sends a strong message that heinous crimes will not be tolerated and will face severe punishment.”
– concluded Virendra Singh.
The families of the victims, who have waited decades for justice, may finally find some solace in knowing that those responsible for these atrocities are being held accountable.
