Stepfather convicted of sex assaults after 10-year-old's bold testimony in Thane
Additional Sessions Judge DS Deshmukh convicted the 35-year-old stepfather under the Pocso Act after the victim consistently described how he sexually assaulted the girl multiple times in their home at a chawl in Thane. The incident came to light in April 2019 when neighbours noticed the child had gone missing for two days along with her elder brother. When she returned on April 11, 2019, concerned neighbours questioned her about her whereabouts, leading to the shocking revelation.
The girl told the court that her stepfather sexually assaulted her. She also revealed that he committed similar heinous acts earlier when her mother was ill, showing a pattern of abuse that was ongoing. The child's mother died after giving birth to her younger brother, leaving her vulnerable to the predatory behaviour of the man who was supposed to protect her.
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Subsequently, he was booked under various sections of the IPC and the Pocso Act.
Medical evidence from the hospital strongly supported the child's testimony. The court observed that the medical officer's testimony, combined with the victim's consistent statements throughout the proceedings, established the case beyond a reasonable doubt. The court, calling it a heinous act and a blot on the father-daughter relationship, noted that instead of being a protector, the accused became a predator who sexually exploited the child.
The judge said that such a stringent punishment would send a clear message to society about the consequences of child sexual abuse.
He was also convicted of using minors for begging and exploitation under the Juvenile Justice Act, receiving a one-year sentence, which will run concurrently. The court imposed a total fine of Rs 12,000 to be paid to the victim as compensation, with all sentences running concurrently.
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