Thane court sentences youth to 20 years RI for sexual assault of 15-year-old girl

THANE: A Thane court on Monday sentenced a 24-year-old Diva resident to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl in 2022. Special Pocso judge D S Deshmukh observed that accused Abhishek Jaiswal's actions demonstrated his disturbing "mental state".A juvenile was also involved. His case was referred to the Bhiwandi juvenile court.Jaiswal ran a water tanker business. According to the prosecution, the victim's sister ordered water from him. When he arrived with a water tanker, the victim was sent to attend to him. Later that night, she returned crying and said Jaiswal, along with the juvenile, forcibly took her to an open space in Diva, raped her and fled.During the trial, six witnesses were examined. After being found guilty, Jaiswal, represented by counsel Reena Korde, said he had no prior criminal record and is his family's sole earner. Special public prosecutor Rekha Hivarale highlighted the heinous nature of the offence. (The victim's identity has not been revealed to protect her privacy as per Supreme court directives on cases related to sexual assault)