3 of 9 convicted in Hanskhali gang-rape case get life in jail

Ranaghat: A Ranaghat trial court on Tuesday sentenced three persons to life behind bars in the gang rape of a minor, who died of her injuries, in Nadia's Hanskhali in 2022.The lifers — Brajagopal Gayali, Prabhakar Poddar and Ranjit Mallick — were on Monday held guilty of raping the 14-year-old girl, hatching a criminal conspiracy and destroying evidence. They have also been convicted under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
A CBI spokesperson said Brajagopal's parents — Samarendu and Dipta Gayali — and Pijush Kanti Bhakta, who threatened the victim's family not to lodge an FIR, have been held guilty of destruction of evidence. Samarendu and Pijush have been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for five years and fined, while Dipta has been sentenced to three years' rigorous imprisonment. Samarendu is a former Trinamool Congress panchayat member. "Angsuman Bagchi, who forcibly cremated the body, has been convicted of criminal conspiracy and destruction of evidence. He has been sentenced to three years' RI," the official said."Akash Barai and Surojit Roy, who threatened the family members of the victim not to lodge an FIR and not to go outside for medical treatment of the girl, have been convicted of criminal conspiracy and criminal intimidation," the official said. Barai and Roy were juveniles at the time of the offence. They have been fined Rs 50,000 each and granted conditional bail. CBI charged the nine persons in connection with the gang rape and death of the teenager. Those convicted said they would move Calcutta HC against the verdict. The minor was gang-raped on April 4, 2022, during birthday celebrations of the son of a Trinamool panchayat functionary. The girl died the next day. Her body was cremated in haste, allegedly under pressure from convicts.(With inputs from Agencies)

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here

Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Merry Christmas wishes, messages and quotes !