Pharmacist Jailed for Sexually Exploiting 17-Year-Old Patient in Jaipur
Jaipur: A Jaipur-based pharmacist has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 17-year-old girl who had come to his pharmacy for medical treatment. The special POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) court delivered the verdict after finding him guilty of repeatedly exploiting the minor under the guise of providing medicines and counselling.
According to the complaint filed by the girl’s family, the incident took place in 2023 when the accused called the teenager into his private chamber on the pretext of checking her condition and giving her medicine. Once inside, he allegedly sexually assaulted her. The victim’s testimony before the court revealed that the pharmacist took advantage of her trust and fear to continue the assault multiple times.
“He used to call me every day on some excuse and misbehave with me. I remained quiet out of fear,” the victim stated during the trial. “He threatened to harm my family if I revealed anything,” she added.
After the victim informed her family, they lodged a police complaint, following which the accused was arrested. The case was registered under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. During the hearing, the court examined all evidence and testimonies and concluded that the accused had committed a serious crime by breaching professional trust and exploiting a minor.
The POCSO court sentenced the pharmacist to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a monetary fine of Rs 50,000. The judge, while pronouncing the verdict, remarked that such crimes were an affront to society, especially when committed under the pretext of providing medical care.
“Such offences are a threat to society, particularly when the accused misuses his professional position for personal gratification,” the order stated.
Dainik Bhaskar reports that the victim’s family expressed relief over the judgment, stating they hoped the strict sentence would serve as a warning to others who misuse their position of trust.
