Uncles get 10 years RI for sexually abusing niece

Aurangabad, Oct 16:

Special Judge, A S Khadse on Thursday sentenced uncle (husband of mother’s sister) and a cousin uncle to 10 years rigorous imprisonment (RI) on charges of sexually abusing a sixth class niece. Similarly, mother’s sister of the minor victim and wife of the accused uncle was sentenced to three months imprisonment. The statements of her teacher and assistant teacher proved crucial for fixing the charges.

On September 7, 2017, the victim was crying at school, and hence, her teacher inquired. She told that she is staying with her mother’s sister as she does not have parents. She had to do all the work in the house and was always threatened to discard from home if she did not work. They make her sleep in the toilet. On the night of the incident, her aunt’s husband (uncle) and one of her maternal uncle sexually abused her while sleeping in the bathroom. Both of them threatened the victim to kill her if she tells about it to anyone. When the victim told about the incident to her aunt, she ignored it. The teacher and the assistant teacher informed about the incident to the head master and the local corporator. The teacher lodged a complaint at the Mukundwadi police station.

During the hearing, government pleader, R C Kulkarni examined statements of nine witnesses. As the charges were proved, both the accused were sentenced to 10 years RI under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSOA) under section 4 and 6, and four years each under section 8. Similarly, one year each imprisonment under section 506 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Similarly, the aunt of the victim was sentenced to three months imprisonment under section 506 of IPC. Adv Avinash Kokate helped the government side.