Jaynagar Rape And Murder: In a landmark judgment, a 19-year-old man was sentenced to death by a West Bengal court on Friday for the horrific rape and murder of a 9-year-old girl. This swift justice, delivered within just 61 days of the heinous crime, sets a precedent for expedited legal proceedings in cases of sexual violence against children.
The incident occurred on October 4 in the Jaynagar area of South 24 Parganas district. The young victim was returning from tuition when she was abducted, brutally raped, and murdered by the accused.
Local police, acting swiftly on a missing person’s complaint filed by the girl’s family, apprehended the accused within 2.5 hours. With the help of CCTV footage and eyewitness accounts, the accused confessed to the crime and led authorities to the victim’s body.
A dedicated Special Investigation Team (SIT) was formed to expedite the investigation process. Within 25 days, the chargesheet was filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The trial concluded on November 26th, with the court hearing testimony from 36 witnesses.
ALSO READ: Kolkata hospital halts treatment for Bangladeshi patients amid ‘disrespect’ to Indian flag
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee lauded the swift justice, stating that such a rapid conviction and death sentence is unprecedented in the state’s history. She emphasized the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against women and children.
The public prosecutor, Bivas Chatterjee, praised the collaborative efforts of the judiciary, law enforcement, and prosecution in achieving this landmark verdict. He highlighted the effective presentation of scientific and physical evidence, as well as the extended court hours to expedite the proceedings.
The heinous crime had sparked widespread outrage and protests across West Bengal, coinciding with another high-profile case involving the rape and murder of a medical student.
The court, presided over by Justice Subrata Chatterjee, imposed the death penalty under multiple charges, including sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. Additionally, a life sentence and substantial fines were imposed. The court also ordered a compensation of Rs 10 lakh to the victim’s family.
