In a landmark verdict, a special POCSO court in Kolkata has sentenced 34-year-old Rajib Ghosh to death for the heinous rape and attempted murder of a seven-month-old baby girl. The crime, which occurred on November 30 of last year, led to a swift investigation and trial, culminating in Ghosh’s conviction within 80 days.
Public Prosecutor Bibhas Chatterjee successfully argued for the death penalty, citing the case’s extreme brutality and the victim’s ongoing critical condition. The court has also directed the West Bengal government to provide ₹10 lakh in compensation to the child’s family, reflecting the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victims.
“Unfit to Live”: Justice Served with Unprecedented Speed
Sessions Judge Indrila Mukhopadhyay, presiding over the special POCSO court, handed down the death sentence, emphasizing that the nature of the crime was so egregious that any other punishment would be insufficient. Rajib Ghosh was found guilty under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita and the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act, specifically those allowing the death penalty for aggravated penetrative sexual assault leading to attempted murder.
The trial, which commenced on January 7 and concluded in a mere 40 days, involved the testimonies of 24 witnesses, including eight expert medical professionals. “This case falls into the rarest of rare category,” Public Prosecutor Bibhas Chatterjee stated after the sentencing, “and the court has rightly recognized the gravity of the crime.” The infant victim remains under intensive medical care at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, battling severe injuries sustained during the assault. The compensation of ₹10 lakh ordered by the court aims to provide some measure of support to the family as they navigate this traumatic experience.
From Discovery to Conviction: The Fast-Track to Justice
The timeline of events highlights the efficiency of the Kolkata police and the judicial system in addressing this horrific crime. Following the incident on November 30, Rajib Ghosh was apprehended on December 5 after residents discovered the infant abandoned and severely injured on a roadside. The police filed a charge sheet within 26 days, demonstrating their commitment to a rapid investigation.
The victim, who lived with her family in a makeshift roadside dwelling, was immediately admitted to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Medical reports revealed the extent of the internal and external injuries inflicted during the assault. This case marks the seventh death sentence handed down by West Bengal courts in the past six months, and the sixth under the POCSO Act for similar acts of violence against minors. Deputy Commissioner of North Division-Kolkata Police, Dipak Sarkar, expressed his satisfaction with the verdict, stating that it sends a strong message against such crimes.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
While we commend the judiciary for its swift action in delivering justice in this appalling case, we must also acknowledge the deeper systemic failures that allow such atrocities to occur. The incident underscores the urgent need for comprehensive child protection mechanisms, robust law enforcement, and proactive community engagement to safeguard vulnerable children.
The Logical Indian believes that true progress lies not only in punishing perpetrators but also in preventing such crimes through education, awareness, and social reform. We must address the root causes of violence against children, challenge harmful social norms, and create a society where every child is safe, valued, and protected. What long-term, sustainable solutions can we implement to ensure that no child ever has to endure such unimaginable suffering?
