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KalimNews, Jalpaiguri, July 18, 2025 : In a strong message against sexual crimes involving minors, the Jalpaiguri POCSO Court has sentenced two youths to rigorous imprisonment of 25 and 20 years for the rape and blackmail of a 16-year-old girl. The court also directed that the survivor be paid a compensation of ₹6 lakh by the District Legal Services Authority.
The accused — Krishna Mahali (Lohar) and Amit alias Sundar Mahali (Lohar) — both residents of Ambari Tea Garden, were found guilty of repeatedly raping the minor and filming the act to use as a tool of blackmail. The sentences were delivered by Ld. Judge Rintu Sur of the POCSO Court in Jalpaiguri.
According to court proceedings, the horrific incident began in June 2022, when the girl was visiting her maternal aunt. One of the accused lured her to his house and raped her while recording the assault on video. He then shared the footage with his friend, the co-accused. Both of them used it to threaten the girl with wider circulation of the video if she did not comply with further abuse. Under constant blackmail and fear, the girl endured repeated assaults by both accused.
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| Public Prosecutor Debasish Dutta and SI Tenzing Bhutia |
The truth came to light only after the girl’s mother noticed physical changes in her and took her for a medical examination. An ultrasound confirmed the girl was pregnant. Upon further questioning, the victim revealed the details of the sexual abuse, the video evidence, and the threats she had been facing.
On May 10, 2023, the girl’s mother lodged a formal complaint at Banarhat Police Station. The investigation, led by SI Tenzing Bhutia, resulted in the prompt arrest of both accused from Ambari Tea Garden. A chargesheet was filed based on testimonies from 12 witnesses, medical records, and forensic evidence. A DNA test further confirmed the allegations.
Public Prosecutor Debasish Dutta presented the case in court, establishing the sequence of events and the role of each accused. The court found both guilty under relevant sections of the IPC and POCSO Act.
In addition to the prison sentences, Krishna Mahali was fined ₹1 lakh, and Amit Mahali was fined ₹50,000. The court also instructed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide the survivor with a total compensation of ₹6 lakh, of which ₹1 lakh has already been disbursed as interim relief.
This judgment stands as a strong precedent in the fight against sexual violence, particularly crimes against minors. It reflects the judiciary’s firm stance on ensuring justice for survivors and holding perpetrators fully accountable. The swift investigation, supported by medical and forensic evidence, and the court’s directive for financial compensation also underscore the importance of a victim-centric approach in such cases.
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