Daijiworld Media Network - Panaji

Panaji, Apr 18: A fast-track court in Goa has sentenced a man from Baina, identified as Taufiq Kotur, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a woman under the false pretext of marriage. The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000, which will be given as compensation to the survivor.

The court observed that no justification was provided by the accused for breaching his promise to marry the woman.

During the hearing, the accused sought a lighter sentence, claiming he is recently married, has a child, is the sole earning member of his family, and resides in rented accommodation. However, the public prosecutor argued that his actions had “completely destroyed” the survivor’s life.

Presiding officer of the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Panaji, Pooja Kavlekar, noted that while a convict should be given an opportunity to reform, the impact on the victim is long-lasting. She observed that a rape survivor’s life is “altered forever” after such a traumatic experience.

The court, however, said it did not find grounds to impose a life sentence as the survivor had not alleged brutality or physical violence, and the case involved a consensual relationship that turned into sexual exploitation based on a promise of marriage.

The survivor had also alleged that she was forced to undergo an abortion against her will. However, the court acquitted the accused of charges related to causing miscarriage without consent due to lack of corroborative evidence regarding the nature of the pills allegedly given.

The court noted that although it was established that the accused opposed the pregnancy and intended an abortion, there was no clear evidence proving that he directly caused it.

According to the prosecution, the accused befriended the survivor in 2015 when she was working as a salesgirl. He allegedly deceived her with a promise of marriage and maintained a sexual relationship with her over several occasions.

The court also stated that the survivor is eligible for compensation under the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme for victims of sexual assault and other crimes.