2 get jail term for 2021 rape, theft case in Sirsa

A fast-track court in Sirsa sentenced two men, Rajesh Kumar and Ranveer Singh, to prison for raping a woman and stealing her jewellery in July 2021. On Monday, special court Judge Dr Naresh Kumar Singhal delivered the verdict.

Rajesh Kumar, a resident of Rattakhera in Sirsa, was sentenced to 14 years' rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1.27 lakh for rape and theft. He was also awarded additional sentences of two years for criminal breach of trust, seven years for house trespass, and one year under another relevant charge, with fines totalling Rs 1.28 lakh. Ranveer Singh, a resident of Munnawasi in Sirsa, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment and fined Rs 27,000, along with similar additional penalties.

In her statement recorded on December 6, 2021, the victim said that the main accused, Rajesh Kumar, worked with her at a private company. On July 4, 2021, Rajesh, along with his associate Ranveer, visited her house and, citing financial difficulties, borrowed her gold jewellery for one day. Later the same day, both accused allegedly raped her. When she asked for the jewellery back, Rajesh refused to return it. He continued to rape her on the pretext of marriage, but when she pressured him about marriage, he denied any intention to marry her.

The Dabwali police filed charges under Sections 376(2)(N), 376(D), 450, and 406 of the IPC. Both accused were arrested on December 23, 2021.

The investigation was thorough, with 23 witnesses presented in court. The case was filed in court on February 28, 2022, after careful analysis of evidence. The court also ordered that Rs 1.25 lakh of the fine be given to the victim as compensation.