A local court today sentenced a man to rigorous imprisonment for 10 years for raping a seven-year-old girl in 2013.
Additional District and Sessions Judge B K Tiwari convicted Roshan Patel under IPC Section 376 (rape) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) 2012.
The court also slapped a fine of Rs 25,000 on him.
According to prosecution, the convict had raped the girl on April 6, 2013 at Dharmpur Ramrai village under Desri police station Vaishali district.
She, along with her grand father, had gone to a religious function where Patel lured her and raped her.
The victim's grand father had lodged an FIR against Patel.
(REOPENS LGB 5)
Reacting to the judgement, Cyberabad Police Commissioner C V Anand said police will take legal advice whether to appeal or not for conviction under the section of gangrape too, as they have not be proved against the (seven convicts) due to the silence of the victim.
The life imprisonment imposed on the seven main members of the notorious gang is a great victory for the entire criminal justice system including police, prosecution and judiciary, he said.
"This judgment will go a long way in sending out the right message to rowdy gangs operating in our capital area who occupy land and harass land owners, molest and rape women of and coming to their area, and generally spread fear and havoc in their bastions," Anand said.
This conviction of the entire 'snake gang' will bring further improvement in the safety of women, he added.
