4 get 20-yr jail for gang-raping Class XII pupil

The Fast-Track Special Court has sentenced Rajat Thakur, Yuvraj Singh, Krishna Singh and Harsh to 20-year rigorous imprisonment in a gang rape case registered two years ago.

The court has also imposed a fine of Rs 71, 000 each on the convicts. They were arrested after a student of Class XII lodged a complaint with the Police in January 2023. She alleged that on October 15, 2022, she, along with his friend and others, visited a club in Panchkula around 11 pm. One of the accused offered her a drink. She felt unwell after taking the drink.

The victim alleged that one of the accused raped her while she was under the influence of the drink. When she regained consciousness, she saw there were four people in the car. They took her to a PG accommodation in Chandigarh where another accused raped her.

Finding prima facie case, the court framed charges under Sections 328, 366, 376(2)(d), 506 and 120-B of Indian Penal Code against the accused. During the trial, the Special Public Prosecutor for the state said the prosecution had proved the case beyond a shadow of doubt.