Cops hand-hold child in trial to nail her rapist

Rajkot: Some crimes scar the body. This one silenced a child's soul — and then revealed how far people entrusted with justice put their hearts to the highly sensitive case.The sexual assault of a seven-year-old girl from Atkot in Rajkot district will be remembered not only for the horrific brutality she endured, but for the extraordinary compassion, creativity and courage shown by police, prosecutors and judiciary who rebuilt her shattered trust piece by piece to bring her attacker to justice.On Dec 4, the child was kidnapped and violated with an iron rod. The physical wounds were severe, but the psychological trauma was absolute. For six days, she did not utter a single word to investigators. She trembled at the mere sight of a police uniform or a lawyer's black robe.With the culprit still at large and the victim locked in silence, Rajkot rural police, led by assistant superintendent of police (ASP) Simran Bhardwaj, realised conventional investigation would fail. To catch the perpetrator, they would first have to become the child's friends.The investigation began not with questions, but with chocolates. ASP Bhardwaj set aside her uniform and filled her official car with sweets for the girl. Two female police officers in civilian clothes moved with the victim, staying with her round the clock.Slowly, the silence began to crack. Between tears and long spells of withdrawal, the child started describing her attacker.But the legal challenge remained daunting. Under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), a victim's statement must be recorded by a magistrate without police presence. The girl's first attempt ended in a traumatic breakdown. That is when the authorities chose compassion over convention."We convinced her she was going to school for the first time, and that she had to give an interview to the principal," Bhardwaj said. The police took her shopping for a new school bag and fresh clothes for the "interview". She insisted her hair be combed a particular way for her big day.The judicial magistrate played a role unlike any in her career—arriving in civilian clothes, posing as a school principal. For six hours, she played games with the child and shared chocolates. When she grew hungry, the proceedings paused for pani puri.By the end of the day, the magistrate had quietly recorded a two-page statement. The girl believed she had simply passed a school interview.The sensitivity continued during the Test Identification Parade (TIP). With court permission, police used a Vulnerable Witnesses Deposition Centre (VWDC), allowing her to see the accused through a one-way mirror."To reduce the child's anxiety, the executive magistrate asked every man in the lineup—including the accused—to hold toys. The child identified her attacker not as a criminal, but as the man with that toy," Bhardwaj added.The final courtroom testThe last hurdle was the trial itself. Prosecutors feared a crowded courtroom filled with uniforms and black coats could undo months of careful healing. A "moot court" was conducted to prepare the child and her family.On the day of testimony, the Rajkot court witnessed unprecedented coordination. The investigating officer changed from uniform into civilian clothes. Other police personnel were locked inside a room for five to six hours. Lawyers and court staff remained behind closed doors. Only when the corridors were completely cleared of uniforms and legal attire was the child escorted to the judge's chamber.The fragile bubble held. Her testimony remained firm and unbroken.Based on evidence gathered through these trauma-sensitive methods, the 32-year-old accused, Ramsing Dudva, was awarded the death sentence within just 41 days of the FIR being registered.Rajkot Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Vijaysinh Gurjar said a separate team was assigned to support the family throughout the ordeal. "They too were passing through deep trauma. Someone had to keep them strong," he said.