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Dalits and Adivasis

27 Years Later, Special Court Convicts UP Man Awadhesh Shukla for Raping Dalit Woman

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A special court in Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi sentenced Awadhesh Shukla to 10 years in prison for raping a Dalit woman, concluding a 27-year-old case. Special Judge Shirin Zaidi found Shukla guilty under the SC/ST Prevention of Atrocities Act and sections 376 (rape) and 506 (criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

The court also imposed a fine of ₹6,000 on Shukla. If he fails to pay the fine, he will serve an additional seven months in jail.

The case dates back to March 11, 1997, when Shukla dragged the victim into a field and committed the crime. The verdict brings long-awaited justice to the victim after nearly three decades.

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