Man gets life term for raping minor granddaughter in Sriganganagar

A special court in Sriganganagar has sentenced a 38-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping his 4-year-old granddaughter.

Special Public Prosecutor Manohar Lal Panwar said a case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act against the accused on August 22, 2024, based on a complaint filed by the victim’s father. 

The complainant and his wife, who work as labourers, have a daughter and an 8-month-old son. The couple often left their children in the care of their grandfather, who lived nearby, while they went for work.

On the day of the incident, the couple returned home late evening due to rain. When the mother prepared food for the girl, she started crying and indicated pain in her private parts. Upon checking, the mother noticed blood and, upon further inquiry, the child revealed that grandfather had committed a wrongful act with her.

The accused, who is the maternal uncle of the victim’s mother and thus the child’s grandfather by relation, was present at the victim’s house at the time. He attempted to flee but was caught by the couple. The victim’s father informed the police. A case was registered and the man was arrested.

Besides sentencing the man to life imprisonment, the court imposed a fine of Rs one lakh each  on the him with the amount to be awarded to the victim as compensation. The convict has been in judicial custody since his arrest.

Punjab