A court in Mizoram, India, has confirmed the sentencing of two Border Security Force (BSF) soldiers for the gang rape and acid attack of a woman who was picking vegetables. Nilanjan Das and Dinesh Kumar were collectively sentenced to 42 years in prison for the horrific crime that occurred in July 2017.
The Attack
On July 16, 2017, the victim and a friend were near the Gaskata river in Silsuri West village, Mamit district, collecting crabs and wild vegetables. They encountered Das and Kumar, who were posted at a nearby BSF camp along the Mizoram-Bangladesh border. The two men forcibly took the woman to a betel nut plantation, where they sexually assaulted her. After the rape, they poured a corrosive substance on her face, causing severe burns, permanent disfigurement, and loss of vision in one eye.
Sentencing
Additional District and Sessions Judge Sylvie Zomuanpuii Ralte convicted the border guards on June 12. Das and Kumar were sentenced to 20 years for gang rape, 10 years for rape causing grievous bodily harm, and 12 years for the acid attack. They were also fined Rs 60,000 (approximately £473).
Investigation and Trial
The victim's brother filed a complaint at the Marpara police station two days after the attack. The victim's friend was found dead on July 27, 2017, near the crime scene. Post-mortem and forensic examinations concluded that she had been murdered. However, the court acquitted the two soldiers of the murder charge, citing insufficient evidence to establish guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution examined 18 witnesses, including medical experts and investigating officers. The court relied heavily on the survivor's testimony, describing it as consistent and trustworthy.
Das and Kumar, residents of West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh respectively, will serve their sentences in prison.
