Rape convict in MP rapes again after released from jail early on 'good conduct', minor survivor serious

economictimes.indiatimes.com:

criminal justice, a 35-year-old rape convict from Satna district in Madhya Pradesh, who was released in 2021 following a sentence remission, has been arrested for allegedly raping a minor once again. The accused, identified as Rakesh Verma, had originally received a 10-year prison term. However, he was granted early release after serving seven years due to the waiver of the remaining sentence based on his «good conduct.» Reports indicate that Verma is alleged to have enticed the minor victim before committing the heinous act on Wednesday evening.

Following the assault, the survivor was promptly taken to a hospital and later transferred to the Rewa Medical College Hospital after initial treatment. Her condition has been reported as critical. Police arrested the accused and charged him under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Madhya Pradesh's Home Minister, Narrottam Mishra, has strongly condemned the incident and announced that Verma's residence would be demolished. The case underscores the complexity of dealing with recidivism and raises questions about the effectiveness of early release programs based on conduct assessments. It highlights the need for stricter laws to prevent the release of convicted rapists on bail.

Currently, the law in India allows for the release of convicted rapists on bail if they can show that they are not a threat to the public and that they are likely to appear for their trial. However, this has been criticized by some as being too lenient, as it allows convicted rapists to reoffend. The case has also raised questions about the effectiveness of the rehabilitation programs offered to rapists in jail.