The Bombay High Court has maintained the life imprisonment sentence for a man found guilty of sexually assaulting six intellectually disabled girls. The court remarked on the unfortunate reality of our times where people turn to tantriks and babas to solve their problems, highlighting the case as a stark instance of exploitation under the guise of superstition.
Life Sentence Upheld
In its decision last month, the court reaffirmed the life sentence for the 45-year-old man. The bench, comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Manjusha Deshpande, noted the bizarre nature of the superstition involved and deemed the accused undeserving of any leniency.
Exploitation under the Pretext of Healing
The prosecution stated that the accused, claiming to be a Maulvi, sexually exploited the six girls under the pretense of treating them. Moreover, he allegedly extorted money from the parents, accumulating over 1.30 crore rupees under the guise of healing the minors.
Case Background
The case first came to light in 2010 when the police filed an FIR. In 2016, a sessions court convicted the individual, sentencing him to life imprisonment. The convict then appealed to the Bombay High Court, which has now dismissed his plea, keeping the sentence intact, emphasizing that this is not a case meriting a reduced sentence.
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The bench commented on the widespread sexual abuse involved, stating that the sentence must reflect the gravity of the crimes. This case serves as a grim reminder of the dangers of superstition, where individuals exploit the vulnerabilities and beliefs of others for personal gain.
The court further criticized the so-called tantriks/babas, who not only exploit people financially but also, under the guise of providing solutions, commit sexual assaults on the victims.
