Boys as young as three years old were lured into a UP couple's home. Once the children were brought in, the couple sexually assaulted them.
This went on for over a decade. Fifteen years later, they were sentenced to death by a special POCSO court.
The case began in 2010 when Ram Bhawan and his wife Durgawati started using money, food, gifts and video games to draw minors into their rented accommodation in Chitrakoot. As many as 33 boys were subjected to repeated sexual abuse.
But it did not just end here. The abuse was recorded on mobile phones and other electronic devices, which was then used to blackmail and threaten the minors.
Furthermore, the couple sold child pornographic material on the dark web. Investigators said the material reached customers in as many as 47 countries.
The case came to light when the International Criminal Police Organisation flagged child sexual abuse material circulating on the dark web. This was traced back to the accused couple.
From there, the matter was handed to the Central Bureau of Investigation, which registered an FIR on 31 October 2020.
During searches at their residence, investigators recovered 8 lakh rupees in cash, 12 mobile phones, two laptops, a hard disk and six pen drives. Forensic examination of the seized devices confirmed large volumes of child sexual abuse material.
Medical examinations of the survivors were carried out, statements were recorded, and a chargesheet was filed on 10 February 2021.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 74 witnesses. The court found the offences caused severe physical and psychological harm, with some survivors requiring treatment.
On 21 February this year, the Special POCSO Court in Banda convicted the couple and sentenced them to death.
This was considered a landmark judgment and the court called it one of the "rarest of the rare" cases. They added: "Such offences not only destroy the lives of children but also shake the moral foundation of society. Any leniency in such cases would send a dangerous message."
The POCSO court directed the state government and concerned departments to take steps for rehabilitation, psychological treatment and a secure future for the survivors. They also ordered 10 lakh rupees financial assistance for each of the 33 survivors.
Under Section 15 of the POCSO Act, the mere viewing, downloading or storing of child sexual exploitative material is a punishable offence.
In September 2024, the Supreme Court of India overturned a Madras High Court order and held that watching or possessing such material, even if not transmitted, falls within the scope of this Section.
After a decade-long trail of abuse involving 33 children, an Uttar Pradesh couple was convicted and given capital punishment for their crimes.
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