Rapist of mentally challenged girl gets 10-year RI

A man who had raped a mentally challenged girl at Bedkihal village in Chikkodi taluk was convicted and sentenced to ten years rigorous imprisonment, here in Belagavi on Monday.

The court also slapped a fine of Rs 2 lakh on him.

Rahul Sayyaji Ghatge, a resident of Kunnar village in Chikkodi taluk, had raped the mentally challenged girl when her parents were not at home. The parents who are labourers were out for work.

He forcefully entered the victim's house on December 31, 2015, at about 4 pm, and raped her.

Sadalga police had registered case under IPC sections 376 and 447.

The Eighth Additional District and Sessions Court Judge V B Suryavanshi sentenced Rahul Sayyaji Ghatge to ten years rigorous imprisonment under IPC section 376 and fined him Rs 2 lakh.

In case the convict defaults paying the fine, he is ordered to serve an additional two years rigorous imprisonment under IPC section 450; which is to run concurrently.

Public Prosecutor Kiran Patil appeared for the prosecution.