Indian-origin man sentenced for 34 years in UK for sexually assaulting woman
PTC News Desk: An Indian-origin man, Gagandeep Singh, has been sentenced to 34 years in prison in the UK for kidnapping, sexually assaulting and brutally assaulting a 24-year-old woman. Police described the case as one involving extreme and shocking violence.
The 34-year-old was convicted in February on charges including two counts of rape, kidnapping, false imprisonment and causing serious bodily harm. A court sentenced him on Friday to 28 years in prison, followed by a six-year extended supervision period. He will not be eligible for parole until he has served at least 18 years.
The court heard that the woman was abducted in June 2024 and taken to a house in Hanwell, west London, where she was subjected to more than a day of physical and sexual abuse.
Prosecutors said the victim became suspicious after being asked to carry a suitcase containing unknown items from Thailand to the UK. When she refused, masked men allegedly intercepted her at Birmingham Airport, forced her into a vehicle and drove her to London.
At the property, Singh raped her twice and subjected her to severe violence. The woman was beaten, punched, stripped, whipped, burned and repeatedly assaulted before eventually being released. Her captors reportedly warned her not to tell anyone about the ordeal.
Detective Constable Seetara Abdul, who led the investigation for the Metropolitan Police, praised the victim for her courage and determination throughout the case.
- With inputs from agencies
