In a landmark verdict, a Mumbai court has handed down the death penalty to a transgender individual convicted of the brutal rape and murder of a three-month-old infant girl. The ruling, delivered by Special Judge Aditee Kadam, underscores the gravity of the crime and its profound impact on society.

The case, tried under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), saw the accused, whose identity remains undisclosed to safeguard the victim’s anonymity, facing charges of abduction, sexual assault, and homicide. The prosecution detailed how the 24-year-old perpetrator abducted the infant from a neighboring residence before subjecting her to a heinous assault and ultimately ending her life in July 2021.

According to the prosecution, the accused’s motive stemmed from perceived slights by the victim’s family, who allegedly failed to provide customary gifts following the child’s birth amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Seeking a saree, Rs 1,100, and a coconut as part of tradition, the accused resorted to barbaric measures when denied, instilling fear within the community.

Judge Aditee Kadam condemned the act as “barbaric and inhuman,” emphasizing the irreparable damage inflicted on societal fabric. The court noted the meticulous planning and execution of the crime, including the disposal of the victim’s body in a marshy area to erase evidence.

Highlighting the extreme brutality and depravity evident in the injuries sustained by the “totally defenseless” victim, the court deemed the case as “the rarest of rare.” The ruling underscores the paramount importance of safeguarding the safety of girl children, particularly in vulnerable communities.

In addressing the aggravating circumstances, the court emphasized the absence of remorse on the part of the accused, deeming leniency unwarranted.