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The disturbing incident unfolded in 2019 when a 13-year-old girl from a Dalit family was employed as a housemaid in Wasim Khan’s residence in Devarjivanahalli, Bengaluru. The employment arrangement had been made in exchange for the repayment of a loan of Rs.10,000 that the girl’s father had borrowed from Wasim Khan. Tragically, the minor’s father had been unable to settle the debt, leading to her involuntary servitude in the Khan household.
Exploiting the absence of other family members, Wasim Khan subjected the young girl to sexual assault for almost an year. Tabrin Taj, alias Tabu, became complicit in the heinous acts when she discovered her brother’s crimes. She not only aided in the assaults but also threatened the minor victim to prevent her from reporting the ordeal to anyone.
It was on January 6, 2020 that the victim managed to escape from the Khan household. She was subsequently rescued by child helpline staff and was given shelter in a children’s home. Prompt action was taken by Raviprasad, who was the inspector of the Devarjeevanhalli police station at that time. He registered a case, leading to the arrest of Wasim Khan and Tabrin Taj. An extensive investigation was carried out, culminating in the filing of a charge sheet.
The long-awaited judgement came on October 30, 2023, when an FTSC 3rd court announced a 20-year prison sentence to Wasim Khan, in addition to a fine of Rs 20,000. Tabrin Taj was also charged; she received a one-year jail sentence for her role in the crime, which included aiding her brother and threatening the young victim. The court also mandated that the Karnataka government provide compensation of Rs 4 lakhs to the victim, acknowledging the physical and emotional trauma she endured.
The verdict has been seen as a significant victory for justice, sending a strong message that perpetrators of heinous crimes, regardless of their social or economic status, will be held accountable for their actions. It highlights the importance of protecting the rights and well-being of vulnerable individuals, particularly those from marginalised communities.
The case underscores the critical role of law enforcement agencies, child welfare organisations, and the judiciary in safeguarding the rights and dignity of all citizens, especially the most vulnerable. The legal system’s resolute stance in this case serves as a reminder that sexual assault and exploitation will not go unpunished in society.
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