Darjeeling, 18th May: Darjeeling court sentenced a rape accused to 20 years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 for raping and impregnating a minor. The accused, identified as 59-year-old Subash Rai, is a resident of Bijwa Gaon in Plungdung Basti under the jurisdiction of Ghoom Jorebunglow.
Darjeeling District Public Prosecutor, Pranay Rai, revealed that the victim was employed as a domestic helper in Subash Rai’s residence, where her duties included taking care of his ailing wife. Shockingly, she was subjected to repeated acts of rape over a period of approximately 3-4 months, resulting in her pregnancy. The case was filed the previous year, and subsequent to the birth of the child, medical tests were conducted using samples obtained from both the accused and the victim.
Based on the comprehensive reports submitted by a team of medical professionals, including Dr T. T. Bhutia, Dr M. Tarafday, Dr T. D. Sherpa, and Dr Tshitist Sangdal, along with the diligent work of Investigating Officers Bandana Pradhan and Mitra Dewan, the Darjeeling District Session Court has pronounced its verdict. Subash Rai has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of Rs 5,000. Additionally, recognizing the gravity of the harm inflicted upon the victim, the court has awarded a compensation amount of Rs. 4 lakhs to assist in her recovery and rehabilitation.