In 2003, 5-year-old Sunaina* and 3-year-old Shailja* were separated from their mother at the railway station. When they could not find their parents, the sisters were eventually taken in by the family of the accused, unaware of the evil that lurked in that house. The sisters were never reunited with their family, and as Sunaina approached her 13th birthday, the accused began committing heinous acts of rape and harassment that left her shattered and traumatized. For three years Sunaina suffered in silence, and when she finally found the courage to confide in the accused’s family they turned against her instead of believing her. The accused threatened to harm her sister Shailja if she didn’t keep quiet.
It wasn’t until she witnessed the accused harassing Shailja in 2019 that Sunaina knew she had to act. She confided in the principal of her school, who reported the abuse to the authorities and filed an FIR against the accused. The principal contacted a friend working for the Gaya Justice Hub, who took up the case. During the court proceedings, the accused’s lawyer attempted to discredit Sunaina’s testimony by fabricating false evidence and conjuring up fictional witnesses. But the prosecution refused to back down, relying on their strong physical evidence and medical examination results.
After a long battle, justice finally prevailed in June when the court sentenced the accused to ten years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine. Additionally, the court granted compensation of 500,000 INR (USD 5900) to Sunaina and Shailja for their suffering.
*Identity changed for protection (name and image)
