HIV+ man, minor’s mother get 20 years in jail for raping 13-year-old girl in Rajkot

RAJKOT: A special court in Dhoraji town of Rajkot has convicted a 35-year-old HIV-positive man for repeatedly raping a 13-year-old girl and the girl's mother for enabling the crime, sentencing both to 20 years in prison.According to case details, the complaint was registered by the girl's paternal aunt at the Bhayavadar police station on Sept 17, 2024. It was alleged that the mother repeatedly sent her daughter to the accused's house, allegedly receiving money in return. This continued for two months, with the girl enduring the abuse silently.The accused owned a mobile phone shop, and the victim's mother frequently visited him for phone recharges. In Sept, the girl visited her aunt's house for a religious function, where her aunt noticed she appeared deeply distressed. When her aunt inquired, the girl broke down and narrated her ordeal. She revealed her mother threatened to kill her if she spoke to anyone about the sexual assaults. The aunt then informed the girl's father, a welder, and they approached the police.The prosecution presented mobile recordings from two witnesses, who captured a video of the mother sending the girl with the accused on his bike. These recordings were sent for forensic examination. The prosecution also produced documents proving the accused was HIV positive.The accused argued that the girl's parents had marital disputes, and he did not like his wife meeting him. His lawyer claimed the accused was framed.Additional public prosecutor, Kartikey Parekh, argued, "The victim is 13 years old, and it was her mother's responsibility to protect her. The mother's actions in this case are serious and cannot be overlooked. The offence is supported by medical evidence and the victim's statement. Additionally, the mobile recording submitted by two witnesses further corroborates the victim's account."On Tuesday, A M Shaikh, additional sessions judge and special judge (POCSO) in Dhoraji, convicted the man for sexual assault and the girl's mother for abetting the crime. The court found both accused guilty under POCSO Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) and Section 17 (abetment) of the POCSO Act. Additionally, they were convicted under BNS Section 64 (2) (m) (committing rape repeatedly on the same woman) and Section 54 (abetment of crime).The girl's mother was, however, acquitted of the charges under the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.The court also ordered Rs 7 lakh in compensation to be paid to the victim.