Banda Child Abuse Case: Couple Receives Death Penalty for Horrific Crimes

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Couple Sentenced to Death for Child Sexual Abuse and Online Exploitation

A special court in Banda has handed down a death penalty to a couple found guilty of child sexual abuse and online exploitation.

The Case

The case, which involved the production and distribution of explicit content featuring children, was described by the court as a “rarest of rare” offense that warrants the harshest punishment.

The couple, Rambhavan and Durgawati, were arrested in November 2020 following an investigation by a central agency.

The probe revealed that they had abused children from multiple districts, including Banda, Chitrakoot, and Hamirpur, and had recorded and circulated explicit videos and images online.

Evidence and Investigation

A key piece of evidence in the case was a pen drive containing 34 explicit videos and 679 images, which helped identify the victims.

Further investigation revealed that the couple had used multiple mobile numbers and IDs to upload and share the content on social media, websites, and the dark web.

Forensic examination of electronic devices used by the couple established a clear digital trail that linked them to the crimes.

Trial and Verdict

The trial, which began in June 2023, saw 74 witnesses take the stand, including 25 child victims.

Their testimonies, supported by medical reports and digital forensics, led to the conviction of the couple.

In addition to the death penalty, the court imposed fines of ₹6.45 lakh on Rambhavan and ₹5.40 lakh on Durgawati.

The court also directed that each child who testified in the case be paid ₹10 lakh as compensation from the fine amount.

Significance of the Verdict

The verdict is seen as a significant step towards the effective enforcement of child protection laws in the digital age.

The case highlights the importance of digital forensics and international coordination in securing convictions in online exploitation cases.

The court’s observations noted that such crimes are not merely individual offenses but social crimes that inflict lasting psychological and physical harm on children, leaving no scope for leniency.

Rehabilitation and Support

The administration has announced plans for rehabilitation, counseling, and educational support for the affected children, as well as strengthened cyber surveillance and awareness programs.

The judgment sets an important precedent in child sexual abuse cases, demonstrating the evidentiary strength of digital forensics combined with victim testimony.