A special SC-ST court in Rajasthan’s Tonk district has sentenced a 55-year-old man, identified as Ramlal, to life imprisonment for the rape of a 20-year-old woman with multiple disabilities, including being deaf, mute, mentally challenged, and having locomotor impairments. In addition to the life term, the court imposed a fine of ₹1.25 lakh on the convict and directed that compensation be provided to the survivor.
Ramlal, who worked as a commission agent at brick kilns, committed the offence when the survivor was alone at her house, which was still under construction at the time. The situation took a turn when the woman’s mother and sister unexpectedly returned home during the incident. Upon discovering what was happening, they raised an alarm, drawing the attention of neighbours who rushed to the scene, overpowered the accused, and ensured he was handed over to the police.
The verdict was delivered by Judge Aarti Maheshwari of the special SC-ST court in Tonk, who relied on substantial evidence presented by the prosecution, including testimonies from 16 witnesses, 33 documentary records, and five material exhibits. The court proceedings also reflected the survivor’s vulnerable condition, as she had to be brought to court in a wheelchair by her parents due to her physical limitations.
In a notable and emotional moment during sentencing, the judge read out a self-composed poem inspired by the survivor’s struggle and resilience in seeking justice. The case underscores the importance of a timely and sensitive judicial response in matters involving crimes against vulnerable individuals, highlighting both the gravity of the offence and the need for strong legal deterrence.
