HC dismisses rapist's appeal

Kunchikurve, a Dharavi resident employed in the BMC (G-North) ward office, had appealed against a sessions court order convicting him of offences under 376(2)(f) that pertains to committing rape of a minor and 506 (II) that refers to criminal intimidation.

According to the prosecution, on September 3, 2002 Kunchikurve's daughter crying had complained of stomach ache. That annoyed her father who slapped her. Later, she told her mother that Kunchikurve had been having sex with her repeatedly over one year and had threatened her not to tell anyone.

A complaint was filed at the Dharavi Police Station and medical examination of the victim showed that the semen found on the victim's undergarment was that of Kunchikurve.

The sessions court which convicted him on January 14, 2004 and sentenced him to life observed that Kunchikurve deserved no sympathy as he had raped his daughter.

"...In view of such disgraceful and distressing situation, severe punishment should be inflicted on him especially when he has also spoilt the pious relationship of father and daughter and the future life of the victim girl," the sessions court said.

Accepting the findings of the lower court, the high court dismissed Kunchikurve's appeal.