What Is Digital Rape? A Closer Look At The Offense And Its Punishments
Digital rape is a serious offense that primarily affects young girls , leading to legal actions against the accused under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. This act stipulates punishments that range from 20 years to life imprisonment, depending on the severity of the crime.
A recent case in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, highlights this alarming issue. The victim, a 4-year-old girl attending a private school in Sector 37, reportedly experienced digital rape in her school bathroom. Her mother alleges that this heinous act occurred while the child was at school. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident; Noida has witnessed similar cases in the past, and the perpetrators have faced legal consequences.
A recent case in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, highlights this alarming issue. The victim, a 4-year-old girl attending a private school in Sector 37, reportedly experienced digital rape in her school bathroom. Her mother alleges that this heinous act occurred while the child was at school. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident; Noida has witnessed similar cases in the past, and the perpetrators have faced legal consequences.
In January 2019, another case of digital rape was reported in Noida. The accused, Akbar Ali, a 65-year-old man from West Bengal, was charged with sexually assaulting a 3-year-old girl. He lured her with the promise of giving her a toffee. Following this incident, Ali was sentenced to life imprisonment by the District Court of Gautam Buddha Nagar, along with a fine of ₹50,000.
So, what exactly constitutes digital rape? It is important to clarify that digital rape does not refer to watching online pornography or other cyber crimes. Instead, it involves sexual assault where the perpetrator forces penetration with their fingers or toes. This definition emerged after the Nirbhaya case in 2013, leading to the recognition of such acts as sexual crimes under Section 375 of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act .
The legal framework surrounding digital rape aims to protect vulnerable individuals, particularly minors. Depending on the severity of the crime, the POCSO Act allows for severe penalties, including life imprisonment. In the most tragic cases, where the victim dies, the accused may even face the death penalty. It is crucial to raise awareness about digital rape and ensure that victims receive justice and protection under the law.
Next Story