In a shocking case from Aurangabad, four men have been sentenced to life in prison for gang raping a woman. The decision was made by Judges Nitin B. Suryawanshi and Sandipkumar C. More. Here's what happened.
On the night of August 27, 2015, the victim and her friend Maruti Waghmare were riding a motorcycle near Cambridge School. Suddenly, four men on another bike attacked them. Two of the men dragged the victim into a nearby field and assaulted her, while the others beat up Maruti.
"They forcibly removed her clothes and committed forcible sexual intercourse with her," stated the court documents.
The victim managed to escape and flagged down a police patrol van. The police couldn't catch the attackers immediately, but the victim filed a report at Chikalthana Police Station that night.
Officer Kalpana Rathod led the investigation. The police arrested Shaikh Tayyab Shaikh Babulal and the other accused and took their bike. A lineup was conducted, where the victim and Maruti identified the attackers.
The court found Shaikh Tayyab Shaikh Babulal and the others guilty under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including 376(D) for gang rape. Each was sentenced to life in prison and fined ₹50,000.
"The evidence of the victim definitely inspires confidence," the judgment noted.
The defense argued inconsistencies in the victim's statements and questioned the lineup's validity. They also pointed out the lack of physical injuries on the victim.
The prosecution, supported by DNA evidence and eyewitness testimonies, proved the guilt of Shaikh Tayyab Shaikh Babulal and the other accused beyond reasonable doubt. The court dismissed the appeals, affirming the life sentences.
The court concluded that the prosecution clearly proved the guilt of all the accused. The life sentences were upheld, ensuring justice for the victim.
"The prosecution has clearly established the guilt of all the appellants – accused beyond all reasonable doubts."
The judgment emphasizes the importance of handling sexual assault cases sensitively and upholding the dignity of victims.
