Man gets 10-year rigorous imprisonment for rape

Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana, October 8

Additional Sessions Judge Rashmi Sharma has convicted Manpreet Singh, alias Mani, resident of Mohalla New Kuldeep Nagar, Basti Jodhewal, Ludhiana. He was facing accusations of alluring and taking a girl to a local hotel on the pretext of interview for a job and then raping her.

He was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years. A fine of Rs 20,000 was also imposed upon the convict. The court also made recommendations to the District Legal Services Authority for providing suitable compensation under the Victim Compensation Scheme.

Divulging details, Special Public Prosecutor SS Haider said the prosecution examined 13 witnesses to prove the guilt of the accused.

A case against Manpreet Singh was registered on September 1, 2019 at the Division No 7 police station following the complaint of the victim.

The complainant had stated to the police that Manpreet Singh met her on July 11, 2019, on Tajpur Road, Ludhiana, and allured her by getting her a job. Manpreet Singh also gave her his mobile number. She called him in connection with the job. Thereafter they continued to have telephonic conversation with each other.

On July 23, 2019, Manpreet Singh took her and her brother from their house. Near Shivpuri, Manpreet Singh dropped her brother from Activa. He then took her to a hotel near Bus Stand. Then she was taken to the third floor of the hotel in a room by proclaiming that an employer would come there for job interview. When she refused to enter the room, Manpreet Singh caught hold of her arm, dragged her inside and bolted the door. Manpreet Singh raped her, made a video and started blackmailing her. Manpreet Singh also threatened to kill her and her brother, added the complainant.

However, Manpreet Singh pleaded innocence and claimed false implication. But after appreciating the evidence on record, the court found him guilty.