A special POCSO court in Dehradun sentenced a former Indian Air Force (IAF) personnel to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the repeated sexual abuse of his daughter, the times of India reported.
The horrific abuse began when the victim was just six years old and spanned over a decade across multiple states, including Delhi and Gujarat.
The case surfaced in November 2023 when the survivor, then 17, confided in her mother, leading to an immediate police complaint and the convict’s arrest. Special Judge Archana Sagar also imposed a fine of ₹25,000, confirming that the prosecution proved charges beyond a reasonable doubt.
Pattern Of Grooming
The trial revealed a disturbing pattern of psychological manipulation and “grooming” that the convict allegedly used to silence his daughter. According to the survivor’s testimony, her father repeatedly told her that the abuse was “normal” and was merely “how fathers showed love to their daughters.”
This manipulation, coupled with physical violence against the mother, created a pervasive atmosphere of fear within the household.
The abuse notably continued even during family crises, such as when the mother was hospitalised following a road accident. By weaponizing his parental authority, the convict ensured the victim remained trapped in a cycle of silence for over ten years.
Cross-State Incursions
Due to the convict’s postings in the Indian Air Force, the assaults took place in several locations, including Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Gujarat, and Uttarakhand. This geographic displacement often made it harder for the victim to seek help or for outsiders to notice the domestic instability.
However, once the survivor broke her silence in 2023, the Dehradun police acted swiftly. The court relied on the survivor’s consistent statements recorded under Section 164 of the CrPC, corroborated by medical reports and testimonies from eight witnesses.
The convict, who had been suspended from service following his arrest, saw his defence of “marital discord” flatly rejected by the judge.
Message Against Domestic Predators
Public Prosecutor Alpana Thapa stated that the survivor remained firm and unwavering even after a gruelling cross-examination by the defence. The verdict under IPC sections 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural offences), and 506 (criminal intimidation), along with relevant POCSO sections, serves as a significant deterrent.
The court emphasized that the heinous nature of the crime, committed by a father who was supposed to be a protector, warranted a severe sentence.
This ruling provides a sense of closure to a family that has also been dealing with the challenges of caring for two other siblings with special needs and serious illnesses amidst this legal battle.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we believe that the betrayal of a child’s trust by a parent is the most profound violation of human dignity. This 20-year sentence is a vital step toward justice, but it also highlights the urgent need for a society that listens to its children and dismantles the stigma surrounding domestic abuse.
We advocate for a culture where “authority” or “rank” is never a shield for predators. True safety begins when we empower our children with the language to report abuse and ensure our legal systems respond with empathy and speed.
