‘Barbaric and Inhuman’: Death Sentence to Transgender in Mumbai for Rape and Murder of Infant

GG News Bureau
Mumbai, 28th Feb. A Mumbai court on Tuesday awarded a death sentence to a transgender individual for the heinous rape and murder of a three-month-old babygirl, deeming the act “barbaric and inhuman.” Aditee Kadam, the special judge for cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), emphasized the irreparable damage inflicted on society by such crimes.

While a co-accused was acquitted due to lack of conclusive evidence, the 24-year-old perpetrator, whose identity was withheld to protect the victim’s anonymity, was found guilty of abducting and sexually assaulting the infant before committing the murder in July 2021. The prosecution revealed that the motive behind the gruesome act stemmed from the victim’s family’s inability to fulfill customary gifts due to financial constraints exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The accused demanded a saree, ₹1,100, and a coconut as part of the traditional “vadhai” custom, and upon refusal, orchestrated the tragic events to instill fear in the neighborhood. The court noted the extreme brutality evidenced by injuries inflicted on the defenseless victim and highlighted the meticulous planning involved in the crime, including attempts to conceal evidence by burying the body.

Terming the crime as “rarest of rare,” the judge underscored the paramount importance of ensuring the safety of girl children and condemned the lack of remorse exhibited by the accused. The court emphasized that the chilling nature of the offense warranted no leniency, citing the profound impact on the community, particularly in impoverished areas.