Team Herald
MARGAO: South Goa Additional Sessions Judge Sherin Paul adjourned to September 8, at 4 pm, the sentencing of convicted Goan model Siddesh Dashrath Juvekar who was held guilty of raping and cheating an orphan girl from Navelim.
On Wednesday, the court heard arguments on quantum of punishment. Appearing on behalf of the victim girl, Adv Aires Rodrigues sought that the maximum punishment be imposed as rape was a very serious crime against one’s mind, psyche and reputation leaving a permanent scar on the life of the victim. Adv Rodrigues also urged the court to impose an appropriate penalty by way of fine to the tune of over Rs 10 lakh so that the victim recovers the amount along with interest which she was cheated for by the convict Siddesh Juvekar. The prosecution also sought maximum sentence.
The advocate for the convict pleaded for leniency as the accused has to participate at some national and international modelling events to which Judge Sherin Paul observed that the convict, being a public figure, should not have indulged in such shameful acts.
Juvekar who has been pursuing modelling as a career had represented Goa and was the first runner up at the ‘Mr India Man Hunt’ contest held last year in Delhi by Sky Walk Entertainment.
On November 13, 2013, the Colva police flied an indictment against Juvekar, charging with rape and cheating.
Juvekar was accused of having repeated forcible sexual intercourse with the victim girl under the false promise of marrying her. He was further charged of cheating the victim to the tune of over Rs 5 lakh by taking money from her on the false pretext of starting a business.
