Sikkim HC upholds conviction of youth for raping his maternal grandmother

Sikkim, July 6: The Sikkim High Court has upheld the conviction of a 24-year-old man for raping his 80-year-old maternal grandmother.

According to sources, the bench comprising Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan upheld the judgment of the Fast Track Sessions Court.

The accused was convicted under sections 376(2)(f) (rape of a relative), 376(2)(n) (repeated rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code.

The heinous crime took place when the victim was living with her daughter, son-in-law and son, the convict. She told her daughter about the assault after initially refusing to go home. The FIR described repeated abuse and threats by the accused.

The Supreme Court found that the victim was hesitant to report the crime due to her family relationship and confirmed that her statements were supported by the medical examination.

In view of the careful consideration of the evidence by the Court of First Instance, the Supreme Court saw no reason not to believe the elderly victim and upheld the appellant’s conviction.