Summary: Sagar Gautam Sable, a 25-year-old, was found guilty in Aurangabad for multiple crimes under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The case involved serious accusations, including kidnapping and sexual assault.
The case against Sagar Gautam Sable started when the victim's mother reported her daughter missing on October 11, 2021. The police report was filed for kidnapping against unknown persons. The victim was found two days later, on October 13, 2021, in a distressed state.
Sagar Gautam Sable was arrested on October 14, 2021. The charges included kidnapping and various offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The trial began with the prosecution presenting five witnesses, including the victim and her mother.
On December 12, 2023, the Special Judge in Aurangabad found Sagar Gautam Sable guilty of several crimes:
Kidnapping: Sagar Gautam Sable was found guilty of taking the victim away from her legal guardians.
Sexual Assault: The court upheld the conviction for sexual assault, emphasizing the victim's testimony.
Not Guilty on Rape Charges: The court found there wasn't enough evidence for rape, leading to Sagar Gautam Sable being found not guilty on this charge.
Sagar Gautam Sable appealed the conviction, arguing against the kidnapping charge, claiming there was no persuasion or force involved. He referred to a 1964 Supreme Court case to support his argument. However, the court upheld the kidnapping conviction, stating the evidence showed he took the victim from her guardians.
The medical examination conducted on October 13, 2021, found no physical injuries on the victim, which influenced the court's decision to find Sagar Gautam Sable not guilty of the rape charge. However, the court relied on the victim's testimony to uphold the sexual assault conviction.
Judge Rajnish R. Vyas appreciated the efforts of the legal aid lawyer, Mr. Vishal Chavan, for his role in representing the victim without seeking delays.
Sagar Gautam Sable was found guilty of kidnapping and sexual assault but was not found guilty of rape due to lack of evidence. The court's decision underscores the importance of protecting vulnerable individuals while ensuring justice is served.
