Two years ago, a man was accused of abusing his then eight year old niece. On Tuesday, the Delhi trail court finally were able to convict the accused on the basis of a crayon drawing from the now traumatized ten year old girl.
Reports have explained the girl from Kolkata was abandoned by her drunkard father after the passing away of her mother. She was sent to live with her uncle and aunt in Delhi. The girl then ran away after being assaulted by her uncle Akhter Ahmed, several times. The girl was later found on a bus.
In June 2016, the police arrested Ahmed but his lawyers denied any claims made against their client. The girl was taken for a medical examination which indicated signs of trauma. But at the time she was considered as an incompetent witness.
The police were questioning the father and gave the girl a few papers and crayons to keep herself busy. The police had substantial evidence after seeing what the girl drew with the crayons.
The girl drew an abandoned house in gloomy colours. The drawing also shows a girl holding balloons in her hand and a dress lying on the floor.
Vinod Yadav, Additional Sessions Judge said, “ If the elements of this drawing are considered in the background of facts and circumstances of this case, then commission of assault upon her by somebody in her house after undressing her, and it leaving an impression upon her mind, becomes evident… Therefore, I find the child victim to be a competent witness.”
The court released a statement that as the assault was not of the penetrative manner, Ahmed would be convicted for five years in prison and a Rs. 10,000 fine.
The court has also ordered Rs. 3 lakh as compensation for the welfare of the child.
Child rights activist and lawyer Chandra Suman Kumar said, “ The legal battle is over. She is doing very well in her studies, and hopefully the compensation will help build a bright future for her.”
