New Delhi: A Delhi court sentenced a man to rigorous imprisonment of 20 years for repeatedly raping and engaging in unnatural sex with his 13-year-old daughter.The court of Additional Sessions Judge Anu Aggarwal, in an order dated May 28, observed, “For a child, home is a space that gives them a sense of security, love and affection; a place where the child is nurtured and is the most relaxing place for a child. The relationship between father and daughter is such that under the father’s shadow, the daughter feels safe and secure.”The court convicted the man on May 19 under the POCSO Act for aggravated penetrative sexual assault, along with penal provisions for rape, unnatural offences, and criminal intimidation. Additional public prosecutor Arun K V argued against any leniency, highlighting that the convict had raped his daughter over a period of 20 days.During the girl’s summer vacation in June 2018, her father took her to the national capital. They initially stayed at her paternal aunt’s house before moving to a separate rented room where the crime was committed. The case came to light later in the month when the girl, who was 13 years old at the time and studying at a madrasa in Lucknow, disclosed the crime to a neighbour. The neighbour informed the police.The court observed that the victim continues to suffer trauma, even years after the incident. The court noted that children’s most cherished place had become where they were “subjected to the most heinous crime within the four walls of her house by the person on whom she bestowed her utmost trust.”“After hearing the victim, it seems that this ordeal is never-ending for her. She was subjected to the most heinous offence and was not only raped but was also subjected to unnatural sexual assault. However, even after the passing of seven years, the victim is still afraid that if her father is sentenced to jail, she will be blamed by everyone in society,” the court said.
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