Malda POCSO Court convicts Rafikul Islam in the first CBI-led post-poll violence case in Bengal.
The 9-year-old rape survivor and her cousin’s testimony proved crucial in the landmark conviction.
Kolkata: Today, on July 3, A special court in Malda has convicted an indīvidual accused, This historic conviction is expected to set a precedent for many other pending cases linked to the post-poll violence that erupted across West Bengal in 2021.
After the declaration of election results on May 2, 2021, several incidents of murder, rape, and attempt to rape were reported from different parts of the state. These incidents led to a public outcry and multiple writ petitions being filed in the Calcutta High Court.
ALSO READ: Delhi Court in POCSO Case: ‘No Amount of Compensation Can Undo Trauma’
Taking cognizance of the situation, the Calcutta High Court, on August 19, 2021, handed over the probe of such serious crimes—particularly i nvolving women and children—to the CBI for impartial and in-depth investigation.
The rape case of the nine-year-old girl from Malda district was one among many that came under the purview of the CBI.
The investigation was conducted in a thorough and sensitive manner, taking into account the trauma faced by the minor and ensuring a child-friendly approach during evidence collection.
The accused, Rafikul Islam alias Bhelu, was a retired teacher, which made the case even more disturbing due to the breach of trust involved.
On June 4, 2021, while the victim was innocently playing in a mango orchard, Rafikul approached her, lured her with money, and committed the heinous crime. The incident was not only witnessed by the victim’s cousin but also later clearly narrated before the court by both minors during the trial.
ALSO READ: Delhi High Court: Pressing Minor’s Lips Without Sexual Intent Not POCSO Offence
The judicial process saw active participation from the Special Public Prosecutor of the CBI, Amitava Maitra, who led the prosecution and ensured a water-tight case was presented before the court.
The testimonies of both the survivor and her cousin, who witnessed the crime, were instrumental in securing the conviction.
This case’s legal outcome is being seen as a ray of hope in the overall scenario of delayed justice in post-poll violence cases.
“This is the first post-poll violence case in which the trial has concluded and the same has resulted in conviction. The sentence is likely to be pronounced on July 4.”
As per officials, the CBI formed multiple dedicated teams, drawing skilled officers to investigate the post-poll violence complaints and had also appointed special counsels to expedite the court proceedings in such sensitive matters.
“After taking over the post-poll violence cases, the CBI had constituted special teams for investigation by drawing officers and also appointed special counsels for expeditious trials.”
The verdict delivered by the POCSO Court, Malda, underlines the importance of speed and seriousness in handling sexual offences against children and ensures that survivors are not made to suffer delays in justice.
While the sentence will be pronounced on July 4, this conviction is a significant development in the series of post-poll violence cases and indicates that similar cases under investigation may now move forward more swiftly.
ALSO READ: POCSO Case || Karnataka HC Grants Anticipatory Bail to EX-CM BS Yediyurappa
The conviction of Rafikul Islam is a reminder that no one, irrespective of age or former profession, is above the law, and justice—though delayed—is still attainable.
The country will now await the sentencing details and the future course of action in other related cases, many of which are still under trial or investigation.
Click Here to Read Our Reports on POCSO Case
FOLLOW US FOR MORE LEGAL UPDATES ON YOUTUBE
