Thane Court Sentences Man to 20 Years for Rape of Minor Under False Marriage Pretense

A Thane district court has handed down a 20-year rigorous imprisonment sentence to a 23-year-old man for raping a minor girl under the guise of marriage. The swift verdict, delivered just two months after the case was filed, underscores the court's commitment to addressing sexual crimes against children. The judge also criticized the investigation's handling and mandated further departmental inquiries. Alongside the prison term, the convict faces fines and additional penalties for non-payment. This case highlights the judicial system's efforts to ensure justice for victims of sexual offenses.

By Narendra Chaudhary Aug 6, 2026, 07:18 IST

Severe Punishment for Sexual Offender

In Thane, on August 5, a district and sessions court sentenced a 23-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor girl under the pretense of marriage. The court delivered its verdict just two months after the case was registered against the accused in June.

Judge G.T. Pawar reprimanded the investigating officer for a 'careless' approach during the inquiry and instructed the police commissioner of Mira-Bhayandar, Vasai-Virar to conduct a departmental investigation against the assistant police inspector involved.

The court also imposed an additional five-month rigorous imprisonment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which will run concurrently with the 20-year sentence. Furthermore, a fine of ₹10,000 was levied on the convict.

Should he fail to pay the fine, he will face an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment. The court also mandated a separate fine of ₹5,000 under Section 87 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), with a three-month additional sentence for non-payment.

The First Information Report (FIR) was filed at the Kashigaon police station on June 3, 2026, and the court pronounced the guilty verdict on August 4. A copy of the court order was made available on Wednesday. Special Public Prosecutor Yogendra Patil represented the prosecution and recorded statements from four key witnesses, leading to the conviction.