‘Blow to Social and Moral Values’: Delhi Court Sentences Man for Raping 80-YO Bedridden Woman

Delhi’s Tis Hazari Court has sentenced a man to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping an 80-year-old bed-ridden woman in 2022, describing the incident as a “blow to social and moral values.”

The court noted the victim’s testimony, which revealed that she had pleaded with the 30-year-old convict, Ankit alias Mogli, with folded hands to spare her. The court observed that the perpetrator committed the crime solely to satisfy his lust.

Additional Sessions Judge Aanchal heard the case against Ankit, who was convicted of rape, house trespass, theft, and voluntarily causing hurt. As per the prosecution, Ankit entered the victim’s home, where she was confined to bed due to non-functional lower limbs. He then beat her, raped her repeatedly, and escaped after stealing her mobile phone.

The court noted that in her detailed testimony, the victim described how she repeatedly pleaded with Ankit, but he raped her while rotating her legs from the bed to the wall at a 90-degree angle. The medical examination following the incident revealed bruises on her face, hand, and chest.

“Certainly, rape is one of the most heinous crimes which degrades and defiles the soul of the victim. It shatters the personality and self-confidence of the victim but the offence here has also given a blow to the social and moral values,” the judge said.

The court found no evidence suggesting that the crime was committed in a moment of passion or under duress. Instead, the facts indicated that the convict committed the crime solely to satisfy his sexual desires, using the victim as a means.

The court sentenced Ankit to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape charge, taking into account mitigating and aggravating factors, including his age, family responsibilities, and potential for reform. Additionally, he received five years for house trespass, one year for theft, and six months for causing hurt. All sentences will run concurrently.

The court also referred the case to the Delhi State Legal Services Authority (DSLA) to determine appropriate compensation for the victim.

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