Vadodara Court Sentences Five to Life in 2024 Navratri Gang Rape Case
Five men convicted of gang-raping a minor during Navratri 2024 in Vadodara's Bhayli area have been sentenced to life imprisonment with fines.
A special POCSO court in Vadodara has sentenced all five convicts in the Bhayli gang rape case to life imprisonment, ensuring they remain behind bars for the remainder of their lives. The court also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on each of the convicted individuals.
In a significant step toward the survivor's recovery, the court directed that a compensation of ₹10 lakh be provided to the minor victim to support her long-term rehabilitation.
The five convicts — Munna Abbas Banjara, Mumtaz alias Aftab Subedar Banjara, Shahrukh Kismatali Banjara, Saifali Mahendihasan Banjara, and Ajmal Sattar Banjara — were found guilty of the crime that occurred on the night of October 4, 2024, during the Navratri festival.
The minor was returning from a Garba event with a friend when the accused intercepted them in a secluded area of Bhayli. She was gang-raped and robbed of her mobile phone.
Investigators made a breakthrough when one of the accused answered a call on the stolen phone. Using mobile location tracking and technical surveillance, police swiftly identified and arrested all five suspects.
To ensure a robust prosecution, Gujarat Home Minister Harsh Sanghavi appointed three special public prosecutors. The police submitted a comprehensive 6,000-page chargesheet backed by forensic and technical evidence.
Senior advocate Shailesh Patel confirmed that full justice has been served to the victim. The ruling brings closure to the trial, with all five perpetrators facing life imprisonment while the survivor secures vital financial assistance for her future.