The bus driver of a prominent city school was on Friday sentenced to a maximum of ten years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually abusing a six-year-old girl. The court also imposed a fine of R5,000 on the convict.
According to the prosecution, Rajesh Kumar, the driver along with the second accused, Ashok, indulged in unnatural sex with the minor for several months. However, Ashok was acquitted owing to lack of evidence.
Besides, Kumar has been awarded seven years’ imprisonment for rape attempt and another one-year jail term for criminal intimidation. All sentences will run concurrently.
The incident came to light in September 2012. Rajesh Kumar and conductor Ashok were arrested for sexually abusing the student inside a school bus in a parking area outside the school. Later, the school terminated their services.
Referring to the police complaint and testimony of the victim’s father, additional sessions judge Shankar Lal observed that “no person would try to play with the respect of his child and family and lodge a false complaint” and there was no reason to disbelieve the girl’s testimony.
The girl’s family said they would move the high court against Ashok’s acquittal.
{{/usCountry}}The girl’s family said they would move the high court against Ashok’s acquittal.
{{/usCountry}}“I will even approach the Supreme Court to get justice for my daughter, ” said the victim’s father.