27-Year Rigorous Imprisonment for Abused under POCSO Act Swift Justice Served in Harrowing Case of Child Abduction and Sexual Assault in Malda

Rigorous Imprisonment for Abducting and Raping Minor, Victim Receives Government Compensation 

KalimNews, Siliguri, November 5, 2025 :  In a landmark legal decision, a 41-year-old man from Kaliachak, Malda, has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹50,000 for the abduction and sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl.

The judgment was delivered by Rintu Sur, the Additional Sessions Judge of the 2nd Court-Cum-Special Court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Jalpaiguri, marking a significant step forward in ensuring justice for children in the region. The convicted individual, Yasin Sheikh, was found guilty under Section 235(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (Cr.P.C.) and Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012. He was also convicted under Sections 137(2) and 140(3) of the BNS Act, resulting in additional prison terms and fines.

Details of the Sentence : Yasin Sheikh has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, a fine of ₹50,000, and additional sentences for offenses under the BNS Act. 

 

He faces: 4 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹2,000 for the offense under Section 137(2) of the BNS Act, with an additional 15 days of simple imprisonment in default of payment.

3 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 for the offense under Section 140(3) of the BNS Act, with another 15 days of simple imprisonment in default of payment.

The harrowing case began on January 11, 2025, when Yasin Sheikh forcibly abducted the minor victim from Malda, boarding a train with her. They arrived at NJP on the morning of January 12, and Sheikh took her to a hotel near the NJP Railway Station, where he subjected her to repeated physical and sexual abuse. 

The victim, whose parents were day laborers in Ghaziabad and had no permanent residence, was too terrified to report the crime immediately.

However, on the afternoon of January 13, volunteers from the NGO Tiny Hands India, who were on monitoring duty at the Tenzing Norgay Bus Stand in Siliguri, noticed the pair acting suspiciously near the ticket counter. Upon questioning, the volunteers learned that Sheikh had brought the girl from Malda the previous day. They immediately intervened and contacted local law enforcement at Pradhan Nagar P.S..

With the help of local police, the victim was brought to the Child Welfare Committee (CWC) in Siliguri. After counseling, she courageously disclosed the traumatic details of her abuse. Initially terrified, she revealed how Sheikh, whom she had known as a neighbor, had manipulated her into believing he would marry her after divorcing his wife. The victim also shared that Sheikh’s wife had physically assaulted her, adding to the trauma she had already endured.

The case was transferred to the NJP Police Station, where Sub-Inspector Kalyan Saha arrested Sheikh, and an investigation was quickly launched. The swift actions of both law enforcement and the Tiny Hands India volunteers ensured the case moved forward without delay. The investigation led to the filing of a charge sheet, and the trial proceeded at an expedited pace.

Throughout the trial, which included testimony from five witnesses, including two members of Tiny Hands India, the court reached a verdict in just eight months. In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, Sheikh was ordered to pay a fine of ₹50,000. Furthermore, the victim's family will receive ₹5 lakh in compensation, as confirmed by Assistant Public Prosecutor. This compensation is part of the ongoing efforts to provide financial support to victims of such heinous crimes.

The involvement of Tiny Hands India was instrumental in bringing the crime to light and ensuring the victim received both emotional and legal support. The NGO not only assisted in filing the police complaint but also provided continuous counseling throughout the case. Their efforts exemplify the vital role that non-governmental organizations play in the fight for justice for vulnerable children.

During the trial, the victim revealed that Sheikh, a father of four, had initially approached her under the guise of love, falsely claiming to be a 17-year-old unmarried man named Aashique. After maintaining contact for a month, she agreed to meet him in a nearby mango garden. At that meeting, she realized that the man she had been talking to was Sheikh, a neighbor, whom she had referred to as "kaku." When she questioned him about his actions, he claimed that he would marry her after divorcing his wife. He further manipulated her by threatening defamation and promising to visit her house, where she lived with her sister, if she did not continue their contact. Sheikh then abducted her, and only after Tiny Hands India volunteers intervened did the victim disclose the full extent of her abuse.

This case underscores the successful collaboration between law enforcement, NGOs, and the judicial system in swiftly addressing child abduction and sexual assault. The rapid processing of the case serves as a model for how such sensitive matters should be handled—efficiently, compassionately, and with a commitment to protecting vulnerable minors.

The 20+4+3-year sentence handed to Yasin Sheikh sends a strong message to those who commit such crimes. It also serves as a reminder of the need for continued vigilance in protecting children from sexual violence. The victim’s bravery, the dedication of law enforcement, and the unwavering support from Tiny Hands India and other involved parties reflect the collective commitment to safeguarding children and ensuring that perpetrators face severe legal consequences.

This case highlights the importance of timely and sensitive handling of sexual assault cases, particularly those involving minors. With the victim’s courage and the swift legal action, this case marks a significant victory in the ongoing fight to prevent child exploitation and provide justice for victims.