Court Slams Accused for “Inhumane Mindset,” Orders Compensation for 17-Year-Old Victim
Mumbai: A 66-year-old doctor from Ghatkopar, who owns a health products store, has been convicted and sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl employed at his shop. The incident, which occurred in 2018, took place in the store’s storeroom, where the accused molested the minor.
Special Judge Madhuri S. Deshpande, while delivering the verdict, emphasized the rising cases of sexual offenses against children, stating, “Child sexual abuse cases demonstrate the inhumane mindset of the accused. Children are easy prey due to their tender age, physical vulnerabilities, and lack of life experience.”
The court also imposed a fine of ₹6,000 on the accused, which, if recovered, will be given to the victim as compensation. Judge Deshpande noted, “The incident has left a deep psychological impact on the victim. While no compensation can fully alleviate her trauma, monetary relief may provide some solace.”
Details of the Case:
The victim, who had moved to Mumbai to pursue a computer course, was staying with her maternal uncle and working part-time at the accused’s store. According to her testimony, the assault occurred just eight days after she started working there. On March 22, 2018, she went to the accused’s residence to collect the shop keys. The accused’s wife directed her to the storeroom, where the doctor was present.
Upon entering, the girl addressed him as “kaka” (uncle), after which he asked her to close the door and made inappropriate remarks, saying, “You look very good today.” He then handed her the keys, hugged her tightly, kissed her, and molested her. The victim immediately pushed him away, shouted, and left the storeroom. She later broke down in the shop and confided in her maternal cousin about the incident.
The next day, her uncle noticed her absence from work and inquired about it. After learning the truth, he accompanied her to file a police complaint.
Court’s Observations:
The judge highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the crime, stating, “The incident has not only traumatized the victim but also her family and society at large. Such acts create an alarming sense of insecurity, making people believe that even homes and nearby areas are unsafe for children. This will have a lasting impact on the victim’s mental health and future.”
The accused, who was out on bail during the trial, was found guilty based on the victim’s testimony and other evidence. The court’s decision underscores the need for stricter measures to protect minors from such heinous crimes.
Conclusion:
The case has drawn attention to the vulnerability of young workers and the urgent need for societal and legal safeguards to prevent child sexual abuse. The verdict serves as a reminder of the long-lasting trauma inflicted on victims and the importance of holding perpetrators accountable.
