A POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act) court in Rajasthan’s Bhilwara district on Monday sentenced two men to death for raping and burning alive a minor girl in a coal furnace last year.
Special Public Prosecutor Mahaveer Singh Kishnawat.stated, “Kalu and Kanha were awarded the death penalty by the court.”
The court had convicted Kalu and Kanha for the crime on Saturday, which occurred in August 2023.
However, the court acquitted seven others who were accused of destroying evidence. To this, the public prosecutor asserted that the decision will be challenged in the high court.
The 14-year-old girl went missing while grazing cattle on August 2, 2023. The two accused raped the girl before throwing her into a coal furnace.
Rape in India
Rape of minor girls in India is a grave and persistent issue, reflecting deep-seated societal and systemic challenges. Despite stringent laws and increased public awareness, incidents remain alarmingly frequent.
Factors like entrenched patriarchal norms, inadequate law enforcement, and a slow judicial process contribute to the problem.
High-profile cases often draw intense media attention, prompting temporary outrage and policy debates.
However, sustainable change demands comprehensive measures, including education, community engagement, and robust legal reforms to ensure justice and support for
survivors.
Addressing this crisis is crucial for the protection and empowerment of vulnerable young girls across the nation.