In a landmark ruling, a special court in Malda has convicted Rafikul Islam, a retired government school teacher, for the rape of a nine-year-old girl, marking the first conviction in the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)-probed cases of post-poll violence in West Bengal, officials announced Wednesday.

The case stems from the violent aftermath of the West Bengal assembly election results on May 2, 2021, when the Calcutta High Court assigned 61 cases of murder and crimes against women, including rape and attempted rape, to the CBI. Among these, the horrific assault on June 4, 2021, saw Islam, also known as Bhelu, lure the young victim, who was playing in a mango orchard, with money before committing the crime.

The CBI swiftly filed charges and appointed a special counsel to ensure a fast-tracked trial. Special Public Prosecutor Amitava Maitra built a compelling case, bolstered by the courageous testimony of the victim and her 10-year-old friend, an eyewitness to the incident. The Additional District & Sessions Judge, 2nd (POCSO Court), Malda, found Islam guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 376AB of the Indian Penal Code, which addresses the rape of a minor under 12.

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“This conviction is a significant milestone, being the first in the post-poll violence cases investigated by the CBI,” a CBI spokesperson stated. The court is set to announce the sentence on July 4.

To tackle the spate of post-poll violence cases, the CBI formed dedicated investigative teams with officers from across India and appointed special counsels to expedite trials, ensuring justice for victims of these heinous crimes.

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