Summary: Sagar Gautam Sable was found guilty by the Aurangabad court for kidnapping and sexual assault, but was cleared of more serious charges. The case highlights the complexities of legal proceedings and interpretations of law.
On January 12, 2026, Judge Rajnish R. Vyas delivered a decision in the High Court of Bombay at Aurangabad. Sagar Gautam Sable, a 25-year-old worker from Aurangabad, challenged his conviction from a 2023 case that involved multiple accusations under Indian laws meant to protect children.
Sagar Gautam Sable was originally found guilty by a Special Judge in Aurangabad on December 12, 2023, for several crimes: - Kidnapping: Three years in jail and a fine of ₹5,000. - Rape of a Minor: 20 years in jail and a fine of ₹20,000. - Sexual Harassment: One year in jail and a fine of ₹1,000. - Offenses under Child Protection Laws: 20 years in jail and a fine of ₹25,000.
All the jail sentences were to be served at the same time, with an extra fine of ₹56,000, of which ₹25,000 was to be given to the victim.
The case started when the victim's mother reported her missing on October 11, 2021. The victim was found two days later, clearly upset. She was brought to the police by Sagar Gautam Sable's family. The police arrested Sagar Gautam Sable on October 14, 2021, after looking into the matter.
During the trial, the government lawyer presented five witnesses, including the victim and her mother. The victim spoke about being taken by Sagar Gautam Sable under false promises and experiencing unwanted sexual behavior.
Sagar Gautam Sable's lawyer argued that the kidnapping charge was not valid because the victim went with him willingly. They referred to a 1964 Supreme Court case to support this argument. However, the court kept the guilty verdict for kidnapping, noting that the victim was underage.
The court cleared Sagar Gautam Sable of the rape charge because there wasn't enough evidence of penetration, which is necessary under the law. The victim's testimony wasn't strong enough to prove this charge without a doubt.
Justice Vyas praised lawyer Mr. Vishal Chavan for representing the victim well, noting his effective and timely arguments.
