Balesh Dhankhar Sentenced to 40 Years for Sexual Assault
NEW DELHI: Balesh Dhankhar, an Indian community leader in Australia, has been sentenced to 40 years in prison after being convicted of drugging and sexually assaulting five women in Sydney, as reported by Australia Today News.
Details of the Conviction
During the sentencing, District Court Judge Michael King condemned Dhankhar’s actions as “premeditated, elaborately executed, manipulative and highly predatory.” He emphasized the severity of Dhankhar’s conduct, describing it as an “egregious sequence of planned predatory conduct” against vulnerable young women.
Method of Operation
Dhankhar, who arrived in Australia in 2006 as a student, lured women using fake job advertisements. He would drug his victims in or near his Sydney home, subsequently sexually assaulting and filming the acts for his future gratification. A jury found him guilty of 39 offenses, including 13 counts of sexual assault.
Community Impact
Until his arrest in 2018, Dhankhar was highly regarded within the Indian-Australian community and acted as a spokesperson for the Hindu Council of Australia. His actions have left a lasting impact on the community, serving as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance against predatory behavior.
Legal Proceedings and Future Implications
Despite denying the allegations and claiming a differing understanding of consent, Dhankhar will serve a non-parole period of 30 years, set to expire in April 2053.
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