Siddhpur minor rape case: Maulvi sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment

A special POCSO court in Patan has sentenced Maulvi Dujna Mehboobbhai Celia to 20 years rigorous imprisonment in a case of raping a minor girl in Siddhpur. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 27,000 on the accused and ordered him to pay a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the victim. About a year ago, the 14-year-old and 6-month-old girl from Siddhpur was sick and her father called Maulvi Mehbubbhai Selia of Gathaman village in Palanpur for religious rituals and treatment. On the pretext of treatment, the accused stayed at the girl's house for a month. During this time, he attracted the minor to him and exchanged mobile numbers. On February 24, 2025, the minor had gone to the school for a farewell function, from where the accused took her to Palanpur on a bike. From there, it was diverted to different places including Abu Road and Ahmedabad. During this journey, the accused repeatedly raped the minor in the toilet of the train. When the minor did not return home, her father lodged a complaint of abduction at Siddhpur police station. During the investigation, the police traced the minor and the accused. Investigating officer ASI Ramdayal Sharma and PI J.B. The clothes and medical samples of the minor and the accused were sent to the FSL by the principal. In the FSL report, sperm containing blood group B of the accused was found on the clothes of the minor. Apart from this, CCTV footage of Aburod railway station was also presented as digital evidence. Judge of the Special POCSO Court in Patan. J. Public Prosecutor Janakbhai D. Thakkar presented 13 oral witnesses and 30 documentary evidence. On the basis of the birth and death registration register, the age of the minor was proved to be 14 years, 06 months and 26 days at the time of the incident. On the basis of the testimony of the minor, her parents and medical officials, the court convicted the accused, Maulvi Duzana Mehboobbhai Celia (21), and sentenced him to 20 years rigorous imprisonment. All sentences will have to be served concurrently.