Agartala, March 19, 2025: In a landmark verdict, the Tripura’s Special Court in Udaipur under Gomati district has sentenced Rahul Das to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the kidnapping and rape of a minor schoolgirl under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the convict.

The case dates back to September 21, 2022, when a minor girl from the Chandrapur area of Udaipur was abducted while on her way to Udaipur English Medium School. The accused named Rahul Das from Murapara, Udaipur forcibly took the girl away. Concerned over her disappearance, the victim’s family lodged a complaint with Udaipur Women’s Police Station and the case number is 44/22.

Following an intensive investigation, police registered charges under Sections 363 and 376(2) of the IPC along with relevant provisions of the POCSO Act. Acting swiftly, the police tracked the accused to a rented house in Dharmanagar, from where he was arrested along with the victim.

After a prolonged trial, the Special Court presided over by Judge Shankar Lal Datta announced the verdict on Wednesday. “The court considered the testimony of 16 witnesses before delivering the judgment,” said Public Prosecutor Paltu Das. The court sentenced Rahul Das to three years in prison with a fine of Rs 1,000 under IPC Section 363 for kidnapping and 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under the POCSO Act along with a fine of Rs 5,000. Additionally, the court ruled a one-year sentence for the orphan case, confirmed the government counsel.

However, three other individuals—the convict’s sister, uncle, and a friend—who were allegedly involved in the abduction were acquitted due to lack of evidence. The investigation was led by Sub-Inspector Lipika Bhattacharya of the Udaipur Women’s Police Station.

“This judgment is a strong message against crimes against minors,” said PP Paltu Das, emphasizing the importance of swift legal action in such cases.