Delhi Security Guard Sentenced to 20 Years for Kidnapping and Raping Minor
A Delhi court has sentenced a 32-year-old private security guard to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping and repeatedly raping a 12-year-old girl in March 2021. The verdict, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge Sushil Bala Dagar at Rohini District Court, also includes a total fine of Rs 35,000 for the offenses of kidnapping, aggravated penetrative sexual assault under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and rape. The court further awarded Rs 10.5 lakh in compensation to the victim to aid her rehabilitation, emphasizing the need for restorative justice given the gravity of the crime.
Case Details and Court Proceedings
The case stems from an incident in March 2021, when the convict abducted the minor from her parents' lawful guardianship and subjected her to repeated sexual assault. The crime was prosecuted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, which addresses aggravated penetrative sexual assault, as well as penal provisions for rape and kidnapping. During the sentencing hearing on April 15, 2025, Additional Public Prosecutor Yogita Kaushik Dahiya argued that the convict's "abominable act" warranted no leniency, citing the severe trauma inflicted on the young victim.
Additionally, the court imposed a seven-year sentence for kidnapping, to run concurrently with the 20-year term, and levied fines totaling Rs 35,000 across the three offenses. The substantial compensation of Rs 10.5 lakh was granted to support the victim's rehabilitation, acknowledging the long-term impact of the trauma.
Public and Legal Reactions
The sentencing has been hailed as a strong message against crimes targeting minors. Posts on X echoed this sentiment, with one user noting, "Trusted to protect, he turned predator. Delhi courts send a loud message: safety isn't optional." Legal experts have pointed out that the swift delivery of justice in this case, combined with the significant compensation awarded, reflects India's ongoing efforts to strengthen protections for minors under the POCSO Act, which was amended following the 2012 Delhi gang-rape case to impose stricter penalties for sexual offenses.
The prosecution's push for maximum punishment was supported by the court's recognition of the crime's severity. The verdict aligns with a broader trend of declining rape and kidnapping cases in Delhi, as reported by Delhi Police data for the first quarter of 2025. Rape cases dropped from 422 in 2023 to 370 in 2025, and kidnapping/abduction cases slightly decreased from 1,393 in 2024 to 1,360 in 2025, attributed to intensified patrolling and stricter law enforcement.
Context of Sexual Violence in Delhi
This case is one of several recent convictions in Delhi involving sexual crimes against minors. In a separate case, Tis Hazari Court sentenced a 45-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping and impregnating a 16-year-old girl, with the verdict delivered within 20 days of the case's institution in March 2025. Additionally, in February 2025, a man was sentenced to 10 years for kidnapping and raping a one-and-a-half-year-old girl in 2019, with the court awarding Rs 13.5 lakh in compensation to the victim. These cases highlight the judiciary's focus on delivering swift justice and providing financial support for survivors' rehabilitation.
However, sexual violence remains a critical issue in Delhi. The 2012 gang-rape case, which led to nationwide protests and legal reforms, continues to shape public discourse and policy. The establishment of fast-track courts and amendments to rape laws, including criminalizing stalking and lowering the age for adult trials to 16, have aimed to address systemic gaps. Despite these efforts, advocates argue that more needs to be done to prevent such crimes and support survivors beyond monetary compensation.
Conclusion
The sentencing of the security guard to 20 years in prison underscores Delhi's judicial commitment to combating sexual violence against minors. The substantial compensation awarded to the victim reflects an acknowledgment of the profound harm caused and the need for long-term support. As Delhi reports a decline in certain crime rates, including rape and kidnapping, the focus remains on preventive measures, robust law enforcement, and ensuring justice for survivors. This case serves as a stark reminder of the betrayal of trust by those in protective roles and the judiciary's role in holding perpetrators accountable.
