SURAT - In a landmark judgement, the Surat Sessions Court has pronounced a death sentence for Yusuf Ismail, the accused in the gruesome rape and murder of a toddler from Kapletha village, Sachin area. The case had deeply shaken the community five months ago.
Ismail, 23 at the time of the crime, was a known associate of the girl's family, being a friend of her father. It came to light that he had lured the girl on the pretext of playing, leading to the horrifying incident that transpired on February 27.
Justice Sakuntlaben N. Solanki, presiding over the case, convicted Ismail under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code including 302, 376A, B, and the POCSO Act. In addition to the death sentence, Ismail faces life imprisonment under sections 363 and 366 and a fine of Rs 1,000. Furthermore, the court directed him to pay a compensation of 10 lakh rupees to the grieving family.
Government lawyer Nayan Sukhdwala played a pivotal role in the proceedings, presenting strong arguments and evidence, including scientific data like DNA, FSL findings, and damning evidence from the accused's mobile phone. CCTV footage and a video clip were also presented to the court. Sukhdwala cited the Machhisingh case as precedent, classifying this heinous act as 'rarest of the rare'. The prosecution exposed the brutal mindset of Ismail, with evidence indicating he had previously committed a similar act on a woman.
The quick judicial response, culminating in just five months, has been praised by many, marking it as a significant achievement in ensuring justice was neither delayed nor denied.
