Kolkata, 18 February (H.S.) – A special POCSO court in Kolkata has sentenced a man to death for the brutal rape and attempted murder of a seven-month-old infant. The verdict was delivered on Tuesday at the Bankshall Court, marking one of the swiftest trials in recent times.

The special court had already convicted the accused on Monday, declaring the crime as one of the ‘rarest of the rare’ cases. The prosecution strongly argued for capital punishment, emphasizing the severity of the offense. The court, taking into account the gravity of the case, pronounced the death sentence without hesitation.

The horrifying incident took place in Burtolla, Kolkata, where the accused kidnapped and subjected the helpless infant to a monstrous act. The court, ensuring a swift trial, completed the hearing within 75 days and pronounced the judgment, setting an example of prompt justice.

This is the seventh death sentence awarded in West Bengal in the past six months and the sixth capital punishment under the POCSO Act for crimes against minors.

The convicted man, Rajib Ghosh, was found guilty under Sections 65(2), 140(4), 137(2), and 118 of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act. Among these, the first and last sections prescribe death by hanging as the maximum penalty.

The shocking crime took place on November 30. Following the heinous act, Rajib Ghosh fled the city, attempting to evade arrest. However, police tracked him down and arrested him from Gopiballavpur in Jhargram district on December 5. The first charge sheet was filed on December 30, followed by a supplementary charge sheet soon after.

Special Public Prosecutor Bibhas Chatterjee informed Hindusthan Samachar that the infant is still undergoing treatment at R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. He further stated that the trial, which began on January 7, was completed within 40 days, ensuring swift justice for the victim.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh