Protector Turning Into Predator: Father Gets Life Imprisonment For Sexually Assaulting 8-year-old

Mumbai: A father has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting his 8-year-old daughter by a special court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

While pronouncing the verdict, court noted that it is clear case of ‘protector turning into predator.’ Special judge Nazera Sheikh underlined the importance of father-daughter relationship and noted the role of father as protector, provider and disciplinarian.

What exactly happened?

As deposed by the prosecutor, the victim’s mother on October 12, 2020 had left the house with her elder son to visit her mother’s house around 4 PM. It was then 8-year-old victim was at home with the accused father and four siblings.

When the mother returned home, she found her daughter being sexually assaulted by her husband. The mother rescued the child and approached the police.

The victim and mother turned hostile:

During the trial, the mother turned hostile as the accused was the sold breadwinner and expressed her wish to release him as struggled to meet ends need.

 Verdict on the basis of medical examination:

The judge considered the medical report, which was recorded just seven hours after the incident and showed injuries to the girl’s arms and private parts. The judge emphasised on documentary evidences and referred it as the more trustworthy than oral testimony.