Uttar Pradesh Awards Death Penalty for Husband-wife Duo Convicted of Prolonged Sexual Abuse of 33 Minors

Moneylife Digital Team 23 February 2026

Public Interest

A court in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, on 20 February 2026, sentenced Rambhawan and his wife Durgawati to death for committing a series of heinous crimes involving the sexual exploitation of 33 minor children. The convictions were recorded under multiple provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act, including unnatural offences, aggravated penetrative sexual assault, use of children for pornographic purposes, storage of child sexual abuse material, abetment and criminal conspiracy.

According to the press release, the case was registered by central bureau of investigation (CBI) in 2020 following allegations of large-scale sexual abuse of minors, the creation and online dissemination of child sexual abuse material, and the exploitation of children for pornographic content. The investigation uncovered a disturbing and systematic pattern of abuse carried out over a prolonged period.

The probe revealed that the accused subjected at least 33 male children to aggravated penetrative sexual assault, with some victims being as young as three years old. The offences were committed between 2010 and 2020 in the Banda and Chitrakoot regions of Uttar Pradesh. Mr Rambhawan, who was employed as a junior engineer in the state irrigation department, along with his wife, used inducements such as money, gifts and access to online video games to lure children.

Investigators found that several victims suffered serious physical injuries to their private parts during the assaults, with some requiring hospitalisation. A few victims reportedly developed squint eye, while many continue to suffer from deep psychological trauma caused by the prolonged abuse.

After completion of the investigation, the CBI filed a chargesheet on 10 February 2021, against Mr Rambhawan and Ms Durgawati. Charges were subsequently framed by the trial court on 26 May 2023, leading to a full-fledged trial based on extensive medical, forensic and digital evidence.

While awarding the death penalty, the Banda trial court described the offences as falling within the 'rarest of rare' category. The court cited the unparalleled depravity, systematic execution and large-scale victimisation of minor children across multiple districts, holding that the gravity of the crimes left no scope for reformation and warranted the severest punishment to meet the ends of justice.

In addition to the capital punishment, the court directed the Uttar Pradesh government to pay compensation of ₹10 lakh to each victim. It also ordered that the cash seized from the residence of the accused be distributed equally among the victims.

The CBI, in its press release, stated that the investigation was conducted with utmost sensitivity towards the minor victims. Their emotional well-being was ensured through counselling support, while close coordination was maintained with medical professionals, forensic experts and child protection authorities. Investigation also ensured handling and preservation of digital evidence.

Comments