An Australian court has sentenced a 39-year-old massage therapist to 13 years and 10 months in prison for the sexual abuse of 61 women. Sumit Satish Rastogi, a Delhi-native who moved to Adelaide in 2011, carried out the offences while working at a massage business in Glenelg, located in the western suburbs of Adelaide, South Australia.
The Scale of the Offending
Rastogi pleaded guilty to 97 offences committed between October 2021 and July 2022. These charges included 42 counts of aggravated indecent assault and 55 counts of indecent filming.
During a three-hour sentencing hearing, South Australia District Court Judge Carmen Matteo described the conduct as “regular and, at times, prolific.” The judge noted that the offending escalated as Rastogi “developed confidence,” which included secretly capturing invasive images and interfering with victims’ underwear.
Victim Impact and Legal Delays
Victims testified to experiencing deep psychological trauma and a significant loss of trust. One woman informed the court that the assault occurred during her honeymoon, transforming one of the “happiest weekends” of her life into a “haunting memory” that hindered her ability to trust male healthcare professionals, such as doctors and physiotherapists.
Another victim highlighted the emotional toll of “relentless delays” in the legal process. She stated that 1,271 days had passed since the assault, arguing that these prolonged proceedings prevented survivors from accessing proper therapy and healing.
Both women expressed skepticism regarding Rastogi’s remorse, suggesting his apology was based on excuses rather than true accountability.
Defence and Judicial Ruling
Defence lawyer Adam Richards presented evidence that a psychiatrist had diagnosed Rastogi with voyeuristic disorder, characterized by sexual arousal from observing unsuspecting semi-naked women. The defence argued that this disorder remained untreated and could not be addressed while in prison.
Richards stated that Rastogi “can’t forgive himself, and he expects no one else to forgive him.” However, Judge Matteo ruled that while the diagnosis provided a “clinically plausible explanation,” it did not remove his responsibility for the crimes.
Sentencing and Future Outlook
The court sentenced Rastogi to 13 years and 10 months of imprisonment, with a non-parole period of 10 years and 10 months. Because the sentence was backdated to his July 2022 arrest, he is eligible for parole in 2035.
Following the completion of his prison sentence, it is likely that Rastogi would be deported from Australia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many women were victims of Sumit Rastogi’s abuse?
Rastogi sexually abused 61 women.
What specific charges did Sumit Rastogi plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty to 97 offences, which included 55 counts of indecent filming and 42 counts of aggravated indecent assault.
When is Sumit Rastogi eligible for parole?
The sentence was backdated to his arrest, making him eligible for parole in 2035.
How should the legal system better address delays in proceedings to support the healing process for survivors of abuse?
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