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Santa Claus Couple

At THOUSIF Inc. – INDIA, we believe real stories help families stay safe.

This one is hard to read, but important.

A government engineer and his wife lived like any normal couple in the Banda and Chitrakoot districts of Uttar Pradesh.

Neighbours called them “Santa Claus, Uncle and Aunty” because they were so kind to children.

They had no kids of their own, so they showered love and gifts on everyone else’s little boys.

On 20 February 2026, a special POCSO court in Banda sentenced both to death.

The judge called it a “rarest of the rare” case.

The crimes were so cruel, so long-lasting, and so well-hidden that the court saw no chance of reform.

Who Were They?

Ram Bhawan, 50, was a Junior Engineer in the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department. His wife, Durgavati, 47, was a homemaker.

They lived in rented houses and enjoyed a good reputation in the neighbourhood.

How It Happened (2010–2020)

For nearly ten years, the couple targeted boys from low-income families, some as young as three years old.

They lured them with simple things kids love:

Chocolates and tasty snacks
Toys and new clothes
Mobile phones loaded with games
Small amounts of cash

Once the children trusted them and visited often, the abuse began.

They filmed everything and created thousands of videos and photos.

These were sold on the dark web, the hidden part of the internet, to buyers in 47 countries.

Both husband and wife took part equally.

Children later told the court how “Aunty” was present in the house during the abuse and helped threaten the boys: “If you tell anyone, we will kill you and your family.”

How They Were Caught

In October 2020, Interpol noticed the videos circulating online and traced a phone number to India.

They alerted the CBI.

An FIR was filed on 31 October 2020.

Ram Bhawan was arrested from his rented home in Chitrakoot in mid-November 2020.

Durgavati was arrested soon after for destroying evidence and threatening victims’ families.

The CBI recovered phones, laptops, cameras, and memory cards packed with proof.

A 700-page chargesheet was filed in February 2021.

Over 74 people gave statements, including more than 30 children.

The Judgment – 20 February 2026

After five years of trial, Special POCSO Court Judge Pradeep Kumar Mishra delivered the verdict.

He said the couple showed “unparalleled depravity” and caused lifelong psychological harm to the children.

Both were sentenced to death by hanging.

The court also ordered:

₹10 lakh compensation to each of the 33 identified victims (total ₹3.3 crore from the UP government)
Fines for the couple
All seized money is to be shared among the victims

Simple Timeline

Date	What Happened
2010–2020	Crimes took place in Banda & Chitrakoot
31 Oct 2020	CBI files FIR after Interpol alert
Nov 2020	Ram Bhawan arrested; Durgavati soon after
Feb 2021	700-page chargesheet filed
2023	Trial begins
20 Feb 2026	Death sentence pronounced

What Is The POCSO Act?

POCSO stands for the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.

It is a strong Indian law that protects every child under 18 from any sexual harm, touching, abuse, or making videos.

Special courts handle these cases quickly and gently for the children.

Lessons Every Family Can Use Today

Teach “good touch, bad touch” from age three.
Tell kids: Never keep secrets from parents, even if someone says, “This is our special secret.”
Be careful of adults who give too many gifts or phone time.
Keep dinner-time talks open so children feel safe sharing anything.
Check your child’s phone and apps regularly.
Trust your instincts; if something feels wrong about any uncle, aunty, or neighbour, act on it.

Interesting Trivia

This case was cracked only because Interpol, the global police network, spotted the videos being sold across 47 countries. One international alert helped stop a nightmare that had already lasted ten years.