20-yr jail for youth in minor girl’s kidnapping, rape case

A fast-track court in Sirsa has sentenced 23-year-old Chadat Singh alias Nikka Singh to 20 years in prison for kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 17-year-old girl in 2021. The court also imposed fines and ordered all sentences to run concurrently.

According to the FIR registered on May 18, 2021, the minor girl had gone missing from her village near Dabwali. Her family alleged that Singh had taken her under false promises. The girl was later found and told police that Singh had taken her to multiple locations and raped her repeatedly during her 15-16 day confinement.

Police filed charges under Sections 363 (kidnapping), 366A (procuring a minor), 376(2)(n) & 376(3) (repeated rape), 344 (wrongful confinement), and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The investigation included medical examination, DNA testing, and statements recorded under Section 164 CrPC.

After reviewing the evidence — including the victim’s testimony and forensic reports — the court held Singh guilty. On May 8, 2025, Additional Sessions Judge Dr Naresh Kumar Singhal sentenced him to 20 years under POCSO, along with 7 years under Section 366A IPC, 5 years under Section 363 IPC, and 3 years under Section 344 IPC. The sentences will run concurrently, and a fine of Rs 66,000 was imposed. Failure to pay will result in additional jail time.