Appellants Sentenced for Abduction, Trafficking, and Sexual Exploitation of 17-Year-Old Girl
In a significant judgment, the Calcutta High Court upheld the conviction of several individuals involved in the abduction, trafficking, and sexual exploitation of a minor girl. The bench, comprising Justices Rajasekhar Mantha and Rai Chattopadhyay, delivered the verdict on 23rd July 2026, confirming the trial court's decision to sentence the appellants under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
The case dates back to March 2013 when the victim, a 17-year-old girl from South 24 Parganas, West Bengal, was abducted under deceitful circumstances. She was subsequently trafficked and forced into sexual exploitation across various states, including Delhi, Jaipur, and Gujarat.
The appellants, including Ramjan Molla, Nizam Molla, and others, were found guilty under sections 363, 366A, 370, and 376D of the IPC, as well as sections 5, 6, and 9 of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act. The court sentenced them to rigorous imprisonment and fines, with terms running concurrently.
The prosecution successfully established that the victim was taken away without the consent of her guardians and subjected to deceitful means for the purpose of sexual exploitation. The court noted that the victim was a minor under the lawful custody of her parents at the time of her abduction.
The judgment emphasized the psychological trauma and the consistent testimony of the victim, which played a crucial role in upholding the conviction. The court dismissed arguments from the defense citing inconsistencies in the victim's statements, asserting that these were improvements rather than contradictions.
The court also addressed the role of Ramjan Molla as a key figure in the trafficking network, noting his involvement in multiple criminal cases. However, in a partial reprieve, the court acknowledged mitigating factors for one of the appellants, reducing his sentence based on his cooperation during the rescue operation.
The decision underscores the judiciary's commitment to handling cases of trafficking and sexual exploitation with sensitivity and seriousness, ensuring justice for victims of such heinous crimes.
Bottom line:-
Conviction under Sections 363, 366A, 370, and 376D of IPC and Sections 5, 6, and 9 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act upheld against appellants for abducting a minor girl, trafficking her for sexual exploitation, and raping her.
Statutory provision(s): Sections 363, 366A, 370, 376D of IPC, Sections 5, 6, 9 of Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act
