Thane, Maharashtra: In a significant verdict aimed at curbing sexual exploitation of children, a court in Thane district on Saturday sentenced a 51-year-old woman, Kajal Babu Chandan, to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for compelling a minor girl into prostitution. The court also imposed a collective fine of ₹19,000 on the accused, with the amount to be handed over to the victim.

The conviction was pronounced by Additional Sessions Judge D S Deshmukh, who held the accused guilty under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956, and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012. A copy of the court order, dated October 15, was made available to the press on Saturday.

Background of the Case

The case came to light on March 30, 2022, when Thane police received a tip-off regarding Kajal Babu Chandan allegedly supplying young girls for prostitution. Acting on the information, the authorities conducted a trap operation using a decoy customer. The accused was caught red-handed after accepting payment from the undercover operative.

During the operation, a 16-year-old minor, who was accompanying the accused at the time, was rescued. Investigation revealed that the accused had lured the girl under the pretext of buying clothes, subsequently coercing her into sexual exploitation.

Court Proceedings and Testimony

The court noted that the sole testimony of the minor victim was sufficient to establish the charges of procuration, inducement, and sexual exploitation. The judge observed the emotional toll on the child, highlighting that the victim was visibly crying during her evidence recording. “In this case, the sole testimony of the victim is sufficient to prove the procuration, inducement, and her sexual exploitation at the hands of the accused,” the court noted.

During the sentencing hearing, the defence sought leniency, citing the period Kajal Babu Chandan had already spent in detention. However, the court rejected the plea, emphasizing that offences involving sexual exploitation of minors carry mandatory minimum sentences under the law.

Sentencing and Compensation

The court sentenced Kajal Babu Chandan to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. Additionally, the fine of ₹19,000 was directed to be given to the victim. The case has also been referred to the District Legal Services Authority in Thane for the award of further compensation to the minor victim, ensuring her rehabilitation and support.

Significance of the Verdict

The ruling serves as a stern reminder that the judiciary is uncompromising in cases involving child sexual exploitation. By upholding the provisions of POCSO and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, the court reaffirmed the protection of minors as a priority in India’s legal framework. Advocates and child rights activists have welcomed the decision, highlighting that stringent punishment is essential to deter individuals from engaging in the trafficking and exploitation of children.

The Thane Police have reiterated their commitment to vigilantly monitoring such crimes and working closely with child protection agencies to prevent similar incidents in the future. The case underscores the importance of prompt reporting, swift action, and judicial intervention in safeguarding the rights and dignity of vulnerable minors.