Kalamboli orphanage founder gets death for rape, murder

Observing that he was "a menace to society and had no right to live", a sessions court awarded death Thursday to Ramchandra Karanjule (51), founder of Kalyani Mahila Bal Seva Sanstha orphanage at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai, for raping five physically and mentally challenged minor inmates, sexually assaulting six and murdering a minor.

Karanjule and five others were convicted Wednesday of gangraping, sexually assaulting and aiding and abetting the crimes for over four years.

Rejecting a defence plea for leniency, judge P V Ganediwala said sexual abuse of children was a most heinous crime.

"In the name of running a noble institution, he (Karanjule) created a demi god sort of impression to ensure free and continuos flow of donations to the sanstha. He has not only exploited the vulnerable and defenceless disabled girls, but also exploited emotions of donors. This case is an example of betrayal and breach of parental trust by the accused," he said.

Prakash Khadke, an employee at the orphanage, and Khandu Kasbe, a friend of Karanjule who ran a similar orphanage in Shirdi, were sentenced to life.

Orphanage superintendent Sonali Badade was awarded ten years rigorous imprisonment for abetting the crimes and assaulting the victims. Another caretaker, 62-year-old Parvati Mavle, was also sentenced to ten years RI for abetting gangrape.

Four other accused — Kalyani Sarode (daughter of Karanjule), Sureka Karanjule (his wife) and donors Dhirubhai Limbani and Narendra Mehta — were acquitted for lack of evidence.

"Nineteen girls were at his disposal for 24 hours. At any time he would use them. He did intercourse and used to burn condoms. Hysterectomy operation was also performed on one of the inmates without permission and without showing any emergency in doing so," the judge said.

Relying on the statements of three victims, the court observed, "The victims are mentally subnormal, unable to say their plight, even if they say, due to technicality the court is not believing them as they cannot stand the questions put in cross-examination. It was fortunate one of the victims was there and it was more fortunate that her IQ is normal."

... contd.

ALSO READ

Teen raped at birthday party, sold to man

Alleged bomb planter Siddiqui claims ATS threatened to kill him

Cops pin hopes on CCTV footage to arrest acid attack accused

BMC single window to help people check legality of flats