Accused Calls Rape Survivor 'Prostitute', Jailed For 7 Yrs

A Delhi trial court has sentenced a rape accused to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment. The accused reportedly tried to get away by calling the rape survivor a “prostitute”. The court  rejected the claim outright, reported TOI.

"Offence of rape is gravest. The offence has been committed on a lady who was young at the time of the incident,” - the court said

It also said that the accused used the word “prostitute” in the most “irresponsible manner”.

The court further directed the accused to pay Rs 5 lakh to the woman as compensation.

Also: Yet Again, Rape Survivor’s Choice of Dress Questioned

The rape survivor had alleged that the accused, Mumtaz Ali, who runs a tailoring shop near her place, raped her on two occasions in March 2015 when she was alone at home. The accused threatened to kidnap her children if she spoke out about the incident. She, however, called her husband’s factory, and the factory owner advised her to inform the police. The woman thought it was necessary to do so since she feared for her daughter’s safety.

During the trial, the accused claimed that the woman is a prostitute and extorts money from people. Three witnesses, who came to came to his defence, alleged that the survivor had illicit relations with the factory owner. On the other, the accused claimed he had not committed rape and termed the woman a “prostitute”.

There were also contradictions in the versions.

The court observed: "I find that such contradictions are not material and do not have bearing on the core of the prosecution story. Issue for consideration in this case is not as to who called the police, but basic point of determination is as to whether the prosecutrix has been a victim of sexual assault or not.”

Also: “Rs 6,000 For A Rape Survivor, Are You Doing Charity?” SC To MP Govt

It was also recorded in court that the survivor’s husband visited the accused’s house and demanded Rs 5 lakh for settling the matter. Reportedly, the accused’s wife even paid half the amount. However, the defence could not validate the evidence regarding this.  

Additional sessions judge Shailendra Malik said:  "I, therefore, find that the convict is not at all entitled for any leniency. Therefore, I sentence the accused for rigorous imprisonment for a period of seven years with a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 376 of IPC.”

Also Read: Why I wrote Onaatah, the story of a rape survivor

Bhawna Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV