In a significant legal development, a Mumbai sessions court has sentenced 25-year-old security guard Raja Chandradeep Sabu to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. Sabu was found guilty of attempting to rape and murder a woman in her Andheri West home in April 2017. The verdict, delivered by Additional Sessions Judge AA Kulkarni on February 17, underscores the severity of crimes against women and the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice.
Incident Details
The harrowing incident occurred on April 20, 2017. The victim, a resident of Andheri West, was at home with her mother when she called the building’s newly appointed watchman, Sabu, to obtain his contact information for water supply-related inquiries. According to the prosecution, Sabu, who had been on the job for just two days, arrived at the woman’s apartment under the influence of alcohol. Upon entering, he forcibly sat beside her, making her uncomfortable. When she resisted his advances, Sabu locked the main door from the inside, escalating the situation.
A struggle ensued as the woman attempted to defend herself. She grabbed a knife to deter Sabu, but he overpowered her, snatched the weapon, and tore her clothes. In a brutal act of violence, he stabbed her twice in the abdomen. The woman’s brother-in-law arrived during the assault and tried to restrain Sabu. Despite his efforts, Sabu managed to escape temporarily. However, the family’s immediate alarm prompted other residents to intervene, leading to Sabu’s capture and subsequent handover to the police.
Legal Proceedings
During the trial, the victim provided a detailed testimony, recounting the traumatic sequence of events. She explained that she had armed herself with a knife in an attempt to scare off the assailant. However, Sabu overpowered her, tore her clothing, snatched her gold chain, and forcibly lay on her. The court found ample oral and documentary evidence corroborating her account, establishing that Sabu had inflicted grievous injuries with the intent to kill.
Judge Kulkarni stated, “There is sufficient evidence that the accused, with knowledge of his actions, stabbed the victim, causing injuries that justify charges under section 307 of the Indian Penal Code.” In addition to the attempted murder charge, Sabu was found guilty of outraging the woman’s modesty, using criminal force, and assault.
Sentencing and Implications
While the gravity of the offense warranted a stringent penalty, the court considered Sabu’s age at the time of the crime. Being 25 years old, the court opted for a reduced sentence of seven years, providing him an opportunity for reformation. This decision highlights the judiciary’s balanced approach, aiming to punish the offender while also considering the potential for rehabilitation.
This case brings to light the critical issue of background verification for individuals employed in residential complexes. The fact that Sabu had been on the job for only two days before committing such a heinous act raises questions about the hiring processes and the importance of thorough background checks. Residents and housing societies are urged to implement stringent verification procedures to ensure the safety and security of their communities.
Furthermore, the incident underscores the necessity for robust security measures and awareness programs to prevent such occurrences. It serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that can exist within one’s own home and the importance of vigilance and community support in safeguarding against such threats.
In conclusion, the sentencing of Raja Chandradeep Sabu serves as a testament to the legal system’s dedication to addressing crimes against women. It emphasizes the need for comprehensive safety protocols in residential areas and the continuous effort required to protect individuals from such egregious offenses.
