Maximum penalty sought for 15-year-old’s rapist

PUNE: Special public prosecutor Pratap Pardeshi on Friday sought maximum punishment for suspended magistrate Nagraj Sudam Shinde, facing trial for allegedly raping a 15-year-old girl on several occasions since June 26, 2014 in the Ambegaon Pathar area.
Pardeshi concluded his arguments in the trial before additional sessions judge Mangala Dhote. He submitted that Shinde’s offence was a typical example of crime by a person who has a sound knowledge of law and who was able to build pressure on the survivor and her parents not to disclose the incident.
Shinde has been charged with offences punishable under the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.Besides, he has also been charged under the Atrocities Act.
Pardeshi told TOI, “If convicted, Shinde could face maximum punishment up to life imprisonment or a minimum sentence of seven years in jail.”
According to the complaint lodged with the Bharati Vidyapeeth police on July 30, Shinde first raped the survivor on June 26, 2014 on the pretext of helping her through the public service commission exam. He allegedly raped here thereafter on several occasions, the complaint stated. The matter finally came to light when the girl confided in her parents.
Pardeshi has argued that the survivor’s testimony establishing the rape was enough to hold the accused guilty. The court’s judgement is expected after the defence counsel concludes his arguments at the next hearing.