Bombay High Court

Bombay High Court: Life Sentences Upheld for Four Men in Gang Rape Case

Updated
Sep 23, 2025 2:52 PM
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In an important decision, the Bombay High Court at Aurangabad has confirmed the life imprisonment of four men found guilty of gang rape. The court rejected the appeals of the accused, who were found guilty of committing the crime in 2015.

The Crime on Cambridge School Road

The case goes back to August 27, 2015. The victim, along with her friend Maruti Waghmare, was attacked by four men while they were on a motorcycle ride near Cambridge School in Aurangabad. The attackers beat up Maruti and pulled the victim into a nearby field, where they committed the terrible act.

"They forcibly took off her clothes and forcefully had sex with her," stated the judgment.

Investigation and Arrest

The victim quickly reported the crime to the police. The Chikalthana Police Station registered the case and started an investigation. The police arrested the accused and conducted a lineup, where the victim and Maruti identified the attackers.

Defense's Arguments

The defense argued that the identification was flawed because of bad lighting and differences in the victim's statements. They also questioned the lack of injuries on the victim as suspicious.

"There was not enough light at the scene of the incident," argued the defense.

Prosecution's Stand

The prosecution, however, presented strong evidence, including DNA tests and witness statements, to support the charges. The court noted that the victim's account was consistent and believable.

Court's Decision

Judges Nitin B. Suryawanshi and Sandipkumar C. More concluded that the evidence against the accused was very strong. The court dismissed the appeals, confirming the life sentences for Shaikh Tayyab Shaikh Babulal, Taleb Ali Shaukat Ali, Shaikh Jamil Shaikh Husain Bagwan, and Shaikh Ashpaq Shaikh Husain.

"The prosecution has clearly proven the guilt of all the accused beyond any reasonable doubt," the judgment stated.

Impact

This decision shows the court's commitment to delivering justice in cases of sexual violence, emphasizing the importance of victim testimony and strong forensic evidence.

The case highlights the challenges faced by victims and the court’s role in ensuring justice. The judgment serves as a reminder of the serious consequences of such crimes and the legal system's dedication to upholding justice.