Man Gets 10 Years for Rape Under False Marriage Promise

A man has been sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment by a fast-track court for committing rape under the false pretext of marriage. The court mandated a Rs 50,000 fine, which will be provided as compensation to the survivor. The accused's defense, highlighting his recent marriage and familial responsibilities, was countered by the prosecution's statement that the survivor's life had been 'completely destroyed' by the actions.

The presiding officer noted that while convicts deserve a chance to reform, a rape survivor's life is irrevocably altered by such trauma. Although the accused was acquitted of forcing an abortion due to insufficient evidence, the court acknowledged his opposition to the pregnancy. The relationship began in 2015, with the accused allegedly deceiving the survivor with a promise of marriage before numerous sexual assaults. The survivor is also eligible for compensation under the Goa Victim Compensation Scheme. The court found no grounds for a life sentence, as the survivor did not report violence but rather a relationship based on a broken promise to marry.