Five men convicted in the 2024 Bhayli gang rape case have been sentenced to life imprisonment by a special POCSO court in Vadodara. The court ruled that all five will remain behind bars for the rest of their natural lives. The case dates back to October 4, 2024, when a 16 year old girl returning from a Garba event with a friend was allegedly intercepted by five men in the Bhayli area during Navratri celebrations. The accused allegedly threatened the girl and her friend before the teenager was sexually assaulted. The five accused were identified as Munna Abbas Banjara, Mumtaz alias Aftab Banjara, Shahrukh Banjara, Saif Ali Banjara and Ajmal Banjara.

The prosecution presented extensive evidence during the trial, including CCTV footage, medical evidence and witness testimony. The Vadodara POCSO court had convicted all five men on August 20. The prosecution subsequently sought either the death penalty or life imprisonment, arguing that the seriousness of the crime warranted the maximum possible punishment. The prosecution examined 45 witnesses during the trial and relied on multiple pieces of evidence to establish the case. The defence had requested a lesser sentence, citing the convicts' family responsibilities, but the prosecution argued that their personal circumstances could not outweigh the gravity of the offence.

While delivering the sentence, the court ordered that the five convicts remain in prison until their last breath. A compensation of ₹10 lakh has also been ordered for the survivor, while the convicts were collectively fined ₹1 lakh under various provisions. The verdict brings a significant development in a case that had triggered widespread outrage in Gujarat. It also highlights the use of the POCSO Act in cases involving sexual offences against minors and the importance of evidence such as CCTV footage and forensic material in securing convictions. The life sentences mark the conclusion of the trial phase, though the accused may have legal avenues to challenge the verdict and sentence before higher courts.