On Monday(3rd June),A Nagpur court handed down a death sentence to a man for kidnapping, raping, and murdering a five-year-old girl in 2019, pending confirmation by the Bombay High Court. Additionally, the court imposed life imprisonment for two other charges against the convicted individual.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!![[POCSO Act] Nagpur Court Sentences Man to Death for Kidnapping, Rape, and Murder of 5-Year-Old Girl in 2019](https://i0.wp.com/lawchakra.in/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/gavel.jpg?resize=820%2C431&ssl=1)
MAHARASHTRA: On Monday(3rd June), A Nagpur court sentenced Sanjay Puri, 32, to death on three charges related to the harrowing 2019 case involving the kidnapping, rape, and murder of a five-year-old girl. The court’s decision came as a culmination of a prolonged trial that had gripped the local community and highlighted the severe repercussions of such heinous crimes.
The death sentence, however, will need to be confirmed by the Bombay High Court before it can be executed. In addition to the death penalty, District Judge and Additional Sessions Judge S R Padwal also handed down life imprisonment to Puri on two separate charges. The specific sections under which Puri was sentenced include Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) for murder, Section 376(A)(B) of the IPC for the rape of a minor, and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
This incident involved a five-year-old girl residing with her laborer parents on a farm where Puri was employed as a guard. It all began with the girl’s disappearance, prompting her worried parents to seek help from the authorities. The ensuing search ended tragically when the girl’s mutilated and battered body was discovered on the same farm where her family lived and where Puri worked.
Upon Puri’s arrest, a detailed investigation ensued, revealing the gruesome details of the crime. The court’s verdict found him unequivocally guilty, leading to his conviction and subsequent sentencing. During the trial, the court heard chilling accounts of how Puri had kidnapped, raped, and ultimately murdered the innocent child. The severe sentences imposed reflect the gravity of the offenses committed.
Judge Padwal, in his ruling, emphasized the heinous nature of the crime, stating-
“The defendant’s barbaric actions have inflicted an enduring wound on the community. The severity of the punishment mirrors the seriousness of the offense.”
The sentencing has been met with a mix of relief and sorrow within the community. Many residents expressed their satisfaction with the court’s decision, hoping it would serve as a deterrent to such crimes in the future.
“Justice has been served,”
-said a local resident,
adding-
“We trust that this provides a degree of solace to the bereaved family.”
While the court has issued a death sentence, the legal process requires this sentence to be confirmed by the Bombay High Court. Until this confirmation, Puri will remain in custody, serving his life sentences for the other charges.
Legal experts note that the confirmation process by the High Court will involve a thorough review of the trial court’s proceedings and the evidence presented.
“The High Court will thoroughly review the case to ensure justice has been upheld and that due legal procedures have been adhered to.”
-explained a legal analyst.
This case has brought to the forefront the pressing issue of child safety and the need for stringent measures to protect vulnerable minors. The court’s ruling underscores the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice in cases involving sexual offenses against children. The use of the POCSO Act in this case highlights the legal framework’s role in addressing such crimes.
The case, which has garnered significant media attention, saw Special Public Prosecutor Prashant Kumar Sathianathan representing the prosecution. Sathianathan has been vocal in his pursuit of justice, bringing forth 26 witnesses to testify against the accused, Puri.
“Sathianathan advocated for the harshest penalty, asserting that the defendant’s actions, involving the heinous rape and murder of a five-year-old girl in an exceptionally inhumane and cruel manner, warranted nothing short of the death penalty.”
– stated the prosecutor during the trial.
The evidence presented by Sathianathan was overwhelming, with testimonies from various witnesses painting a gruesome picture of the crime. The prosecutor meticulously laid out the details, aiming to leave no doubt about the guilt of the accused.
“The community insists on justice, which in this instance entails ensuring that such a horrendous act is met with appropriate consequences.”
-he asserted.
As the trial progressed, the emotional toll on the victim’s family became evident. They have been steadfast in their demand for the death penalty, believing it to be the only fitting punishment for the crime committed. The community has rallied around them, with protests becoming a regular sight outside the courtroom.
“When news of the incident surfaced, it sparked significant outrage, prompting villagers to stage protests against it.”
– highlighted a local resident.
The defense, however, has attempted to mitigate the severity of the punishment, citing various factors in an attempt to garner leniency for Puri. Despite these efforts, the prosecution remains resolute in its stance.
ALSO READ: [POCSO ACT] Supreme Court Rejected Bail of Lingayat Chief Chitradurga Muruga Mutt Sheer
“This extends beyond one family; it concerns the safety and protection of our children, emphasizing the necessity for the most stringent repercussions against such barbaric acts.”
-emphasized Sathianathan.
