Young Rimjhim’s* excitement at attending the Durga Puja Fair with her mother in 2021 became a nightmare when she got separated from her mother and took a wrong turn that led to her abduction by Basu.*
Basu took Rimjhim to a nearby college, where she was raped by Basu and his three friends, who videotaped their heinous act. They even discussed ending her life but were deterred only by the fear of a murder charge.
Rimjhim miraculously managed to return home, but despite her severe trauma she could not muster the courage to tell her family about what happened to her. Her desperation led her to attempt suicide at the railway station, but a couple was able to stop her.
She eventually received counseling from social workers at Childline (an NGO working with children) and confided in them about what had happened to her. The case was referred to a JVI Justice Hub, and the lawyers worked tirelessly to secure justice for this young girl who had endured so much suffering.
The lawyers’ determination overcame the defendants’ claims that Rimjhim had falsified the story, and the accused were convicted of gang rape in 2023. In addition to a monetary penalty, each defendant received a sentence of life imprisonment for their crimes.
*Name changed to protect identity.
