Nine men have been sentenced to life imprisonment for the gang-rape of a 19-year-old woman in northeastern India. The attack took place at an isolated spot on June 1, 2024, according to reports.
Attack details
The assailants restrained someone accompanying the teenager before forcibly taking her into nearby bushes and raping her, prosecutors said. The group ranged in age between 22 and 34, according to The Times of India.
Sentencing and fine
Judge Kumar Kranti Prasad, presiding over a court in the Pakur district, imposed a fine of 50,000 rupees (£385) on each man alongside the convictions. The court directed that the fine be paid to the victim, alongside additional compensation under the victim compensation scheme.
Court's stance
Prosecutors reportedly examined six witnesses as part of the trial. The defence asked for lenient sentencing on the grounds of some of the assailants' young age, but the plea was ultimately thrown out.
Officials also noted that "protecting the safety and dignity of women is a collective responsibility of a civilised society", The Times reports. They added that "stringent punishment for such heinous crimes should serve as a deterrent".
The Pakur district is a major industrial hub for mining and exporting black stone and granite in the state of Jharkhand, also known for its rich tribal heritage.
