Bhopal: Man gets life imprisonment for raping minor daughter
A special court in the Bhopal district of Madhya Pradesh has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for raping his five-year-old daughter. Special Additional Sessions Judge Kumudini Patel convicted the 40-year-old accused under Section 376 (rape) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. A fine of Rs. 3,000 was also imposed.
The court termed it 'a painful and heinous act'
In its judgment, the court observed, "It is the social and legal duty of the father to protect his children, but this incident is totally against it." "The accused has not only acted against the nature, society, and system of law but also raped his own innocent five-year-old daughter...he has committed a painful and heinous act with her," it further said.
Man threatened to commit suicide when confronted by his wife
The incident came to light in May 2019 when the girl's mother reported the matter to the police. According to the police complaint, the girl had confided in her mother that her father abused her whenever the woman was away at work. When the woman confronted her husband, he quarreled with her and attempted to commit suicide by pouring petrol on himself.
Medical reports confirmed rape
The prosecution stated that the girl's medical reports also confirmed rape and injuries to private parts. The girl deposed against her father in the court, following which he was awarded life imprisonment on three counts.
