Mumbai: Man gets 10 yrs in jail for raping deaf-mute minor girl

A court here Tuesday sentenced a 25-year-old man to 10 years in jail for raping a deaf and mute minor girl, who was found to be one and half months pregnant when the matter came to light.

Special judge M H More pronounced the accused guilty under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The 17-year-old girl was taken to hospital in August 2013 after she had fever and started vomiting, according to the prosecution.

During treatment, a sonography revealed that she was one and half months pregnant, following which doctors brought the matter to the notice of the Govandi police.

In her deposition, the victim's mother told the court that she used talk to her in sign language.

When she asked about the sexual assault, the girl gestured towards the house of the accused and later also identified him by pointing her finger in his direction.

The accused was the girl's neighbour.

The prosecution said the victim's statement was recorded with the help of teacher of a school for the deaf and mute.

The victim narrated that the accused used to call her by throwing stones towards her. He would then take the girl to his house and indulge in forceful intercourse with her.