Surat court sentences man to 20-year jail for repeatedly assaulting 14-year-old girl

A Special POCSO Court in Surat has convicted a man and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly raping a 14-year-old girl in 2024. 

The court also directed the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority to provide ₹6 lakh as compensation to the victim under the Gujarat Victim Compensation Scheme, 2019.

In its judgment, the court emphasised that the legal provisions under which the accused was convicted were enacted to prevent such crimes and ensure that children feel safe and protected in society. "It is the pious duty of the court to ensure that the law is properly implemented," the court observed.

The court expressed concern over the rising incidents of sexual assault, including rape, noting that such cases are increasing day by day. It highlighted that in many instances, male perpetrators, under the pretext of love, exploit the innocence and vulnerability of minor girls to satisfy their physical lust. "Such crimes cannot be taken lightly as they undermine law and order," the court stated.

During medical examination, the victim informed the doctor that she had eloped with the accused of her own wish and had engaged in repeated physical relations with him. The doctor's opinion confirmed the possibility of sexual relations between the accused and the victim.

As part of the compensation order, 80% of the ₹6 lakh amount is to be deposited as a fixed deposit for three years in a nationalised bank chosen by the victim's parents, while the remaining 20% will be placed in a joint account in the name of the victim and her parents.

The incident dates back to November 11, 2024. The accused's father, an auto-rickshaw driver, had left for work that day. When the victim's mother returned home in the evening after buying vegetables, she found her daughter missing. Despite searching in the locality, the family could not locate her, following which an FIR was registered at Sachin GIDC Police Station in Surat.