UP Couple Sentenced to Death for Crimes Against Minors

Feb 21, 2026

84 min

Feb 21, 2026 04:30

UP couple sentenced to death for sexual assault of 33 minor boys

## Landmark Verdict in Uttar Pradesh

A special court in Banda district, Uttar Pradesh, has sentenced a couple, Rambhawan and Durgawati, to death for sexually assaulting 33 minor boys. This decision, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, marks a significant ruling in India, as the court deemed the crimes 'rarest of rare' due to their severity and impact.

## Compensation for Victims

The court has mandated the government to provide compensation of 1 million rupees to each victim. Additionally, cash seized from the couple's residence will be distributed among the victims. This financial support aims to aid the children's long-term recovery, addressing medical, psychological, and social needs.

## Decade-Long Abuse

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) initiated the case in October 2020, uncovering a decade of abuse from 2010 to 2020. The couple exploited children, some as young as three, in Banda and Chitrakoot districts, using them for pornographic purposes and distributing the material online. Many victims sustained severe injuries and continue to face psychological challenges.

## Methods of Exploitation

Rambhawan, employed as a junior engineer, and his wife allegedly lured children with money, gifts, and video games. Once trust was established, the children were repeatedly abused. The court highlighted the systematic nature of these crimes, emphasizing the need for the harshest punishment to serve justice and deter future offenses.

## Investigation and Trial

The CBI conducted a careful investigation, ensuring sensitive handling of the victims and providing them with counseling. A chargesheet was filed in October 2021, with formal charges framed in May 2023. The court concluded that the nature of the crimes left no room for reform, necessitating the death penalty.

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