Ramol Sexual Assault Case: POCSO Court Sentences Four Accused to 20 Years’ Rigorous Imprisonment

An Ahmedabad POCSO court has sentenced four men to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 14-year-old girl in Ramol in 2022.

Four Accused Get 20-Year Jail Term

Special POCSO Judge H.N. Desai convicted Darshan Prahladbhai Panchal, Prahladbhai Panchal, Vipul Prahladbhai Panchal and Jayantibhai Hemchandrabhai Panchal in the case.

The court held that Darshan had kidnapped the minor and repeatedly sexually assaulted her despite knowing that she was underage. The court found that Vipul, Prahladbhai and Jayantibhai assisted him by allegedly providing shelter to the girl.

The court observed that those who helped the main accused had a responsibility to protect the minor. Instead, despite knowing her age, they allegedly allowed her to stay at their residence.

Court Rejects Lenient Approach

While announcing the sentence, the court said a lenient approach in a serious offence against a minor could have an adverse impact on society.

The court therefore held that a stringent punishment was necessary in the interest of justice and sentenced all four accused to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

Girl Went Missing in March 2022

The case dates back to March 22, 2022, when the 14-year-old girl disappeared from her home.

According to the complaint filed by her mother at Ramol police station on March 31, the mother had gone out in the afternoon and returned about 15 minutes later to find her daughter missing.

When she asked her younger daughter about the girl’s whereabouts, she was told that her sister had been asked to go outside. The girl did not return home and the phone number used to contact her was switched off.

The family searched the homes of friends and relatives in the surrounding area but could not find her.

Prosecution Relied on Witnesses and Evidence

Police launched an investigation after the complaint and subsequently arrested the accused.

During the trial, public prosecutor D.M. Thakor examined key witnesses and produced documentary and other evidence before the court.

The prosecution relied on the victim’s statement recorded before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, along with medical evidence.

The prosecution also told the court that recordings recovered from the accused’s mobile phone contained their voices, providing additional evidence in the case.

Court Finds Evidence Supports Prosecution

After examining the evidence, the POCSO court found the accused guilty and imposed 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment on each of the four men.

The court’s order stressed the seriousness of offences committed against children and the responsibility of people who assist or shelter an accused in such cases.