Delhi Man Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Digital Rape of 2-Year-Old Girl

PTI, November 21, 2025, New Delhi : A court in Delhi has sentenced a man to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for digitally raping a 2-year-old girl on the eve of Diwali last month. The judge remarked that a lenient view could not be taken, as it was a case of digital rape.

In an order dated November 20, Additional Sessions Judge Babita Puniya emphasised that the legislature did not differentiate between digital penetration and penile penetration.

The court was hearing a case against the 30-year-old man, who had been convicted on November 19 under Section 6 (aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The convict committed the offence on October 20, and the investigation and trial were completed within a month.

Rejecting the defence counsel’s plea for a lenient sentence due to the nature of the offence being digital rape, Judge Puniya stated, "The legislature has not made any distinction between digital penetration and penile penetration. Penetration, as per rape law, can be penile/vaginal, penile/oral, penile/anal, object or finger/vaginal, and object or finger/anal penetration."

The judge also dismissed the convict’s plea for leniency on the grounds that he was intoxicated and illiterate at the time of the offence.

"Admittedly, the convict was under the influence of some intoxicating substance when he committed the crime. However, this cannot be considered a mitigating factor, as no one forced him to consume the substance. He voluntarily consumed ganja and liquor, particularly on the eve of Diwali," the judge stated.

"I also believe that illiteracy cannot be treated as a mitigating factor, especially in cases of child abuse. Such actions are not only legally punishable but are morally repugnant," the judge added.

The court sentenced the man to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment, asserting that the sentence would provide just retribution and adequate protection for society, while also helping the convict realise the gravity of his crime, leaving room for his rehabilitation.

The court further noted, "Cases like Nirbhaya and Kathua have gained widespread attention in the media, sparking public outrage. Following these incidents, amendments were made to existing laws. However, a court must not be swayed by societal emotions and must adhere to the principles laid down by the Supreme Court."

The judge also highlighted that the convict was a friend of the victim’s father and had been visiting the family from a village. The judge said the trust placed in him had been violated.

"The victim was in the safest place in her world, her home, but the convict made it unsafe for her. Moreover, the festival of lights turned into darkness, which will haunt her and her family for the rest of their lives," the judge stated.

While acknowledging that the suffering of the victim and her family could never be truly compensated, the judge added, "It would provide financial solace to her." The court then awarded the victim Rs 13.5 lakh in compensation.