Karnataka Court sentences father to 20-year imprisonment for raping daughter
Laments distressing trend of fathers, grandfathers, uncles, sexually abusing children
Bengaluru: A 41-year-old autorickshaw driver has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment by special judge KN Roopa of a fast-track court for sexually harassing his minor daughter. The accused, arrested in October 2021 based on a complaint from his wife to Parappana Agrahara police, was also fined nearly Rs 2 lakh.
“Father is the only person who can protect his daughters from the world, but if he himself becomes a monster, the daughters will be helpless,” the judge observed in her order.
The court's judgment highlighted the grave nature of the crime, with the judge expressing deep concern over fathers sexually abusing their daughters. The accused had molested and sexually abused his 13 to 14-year-old daughter over an extended period, using threats to keep her silent. This traumatizing experience left the young girl in a state of confusion, as she struggled to understand the morality of her own father's actions.
Judge KN Roopa underscored the responsibility of the court to protect minors and emphasized the need for stringent sentencing in such cases. The judge lamented the distressing trend of fathers, grandfathers, uncles, and even mothers sexually abusing children, primarily perpetrated by males.
The consequences of child sexual abuse are severe, with victims often experiencing mental and emotional turmoil that can lead to self-harm, addiction, and even suicidal tendencies as they reach adulthood. The judge pointed out that the accused had inflicted lasting damage on his own child, leaving her with a fragmented ego and potential mental health issues.
Following his arrest, the accused spent time in judicial custody at Bengaluru Central Prison from October 7, 2021, to December 12, 2021. He was subsequently granted bail but was remanded back to Central Prison after the recent sentencing on September 15, 2023.
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What is Iran’s 10-point plan? Key demands ahead of US talks in Islamabad
Tehran/Islamabad: Iran has outlined a 10-point plan as the basis for upcoming talks with the United States, expected to begin in Islamabad on April 11, according to a statement from the Iranian Supreme National Security Council.
The plan lays out Tehran’s key political, military and economic demands, and is being seen as a framework for negotiations following the recent escalation in the region.
Strait of Hormuz at the centre
A major focus of the plan is the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route. Iran has proposed “controlled passage through the Strait of Hormuz in coordination with the Iranian armed forces,” which it says would give the country a unique economic and geopolitical position.
The plan also calls for the “establishment of a safe transit protocol” in the Strait that would guarantee Iran’s dominance under an agreed mechanism.
Call to end conflict
Iran has demanded “the necessity of ending the war against all elements of the axis of resistance,” signalling its expectation that hostilities should stop not only in Iran but also involving allied groups in the region.
US troop withdrawal
Another key demand is the “withdrawal of US combat forces from all bases and deployment points in the region,” indicating Tehran’s long-standing position against American military presence in West Asia.
Sanctions relief and compensation
The plan places strong emphasis on economic measures. It calls for “full payment of Iran’s damages according to estimates,” along with “the lifting of all primary and secondary sanctions and resolutions of the Board of Governors and the Security Council.”
It also seeks “the release of all Iranian assets and properties frozen abroad,” which have been a major point of contention for years.
Binding global guarantee
Finally, Iran has demanded that all these terms be formally recognised through “a binding Security Council resolution,” suggesting it wants international legal backing to ensure enforcement.
What this means
The 10-point plan reflects Iran’s broader push for security guarantees, economic relief and regional influence. The upcoming talks in Islamabad are expected to test how far both sides are willing to negotiate on these demands.
