'Tantrik' awarded five-yrs' RI for raping woman

Mumbai, Mar 23 (UNI) A sessions court today sentenced a 'tantrik' to five years' rigorous imprisonment (RI) alongwith a fine of Rs 2,000 for raping a 20-yr-old woman at Appawada, Malad in western suburbs in 2004.

Additional Sessions Judge M S Keny held accused Indrajit Rajmal Gaud (35) guilty punishable under section 376 (rape).

The judge, however, acquitted Ms Prema Mansingh Thakur, who was the co-accused in case, due to lack of evidence against her. She was reportedly present at the time of incident.

According to prosecution, the victim's husband had approached the tantrik following his wife's failure to conceive. The tantrik then recommended some prayers for which he took the victim to Appawada forest on April three, 2004 and raped her.

Meanwhile, the court also said if the accused fails to pay the fine, he will have to undergo another one year RI.

UNI ST GK VD BST1943