Digital Goa, Aug 13 – Twelve years after a brutal assault at Camurlim, Bardez, allegedly over property boundary dispute, the victim has secured justice, with the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Panaji, sentencing the prime accused to 11 years’ rigorous imprisonment for rape. His mother and wife were also convicted for their role in the assault.The 2014 case involved the woman being dragged into the accused’s house, assaulted and chilli and turmeric powder forcibly stuffed into her private parts. Her six-year-old daughter witnessed part of the assault and ran to neighbours for help. The court held that the act amounted to penetration under the definition of rape. The prime accused was also convicted for sexual harassment and assault with intent to disrobe, while all three were convicted for wrongful restraint, causing hurt, outraging modesty and criminal intimidation. The sentences will run concurrently. The court ordered the fines recovered from the accused to be paid to the victim and also held her entitled to compensation under the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme. Women’s rights organisation Bailancho Saad supported the victim during her long fight for justice.
