Electrician’s Wife Insists on Husband’s Innocence After Rape Conviction
The spouse of a convicted electrician has publicly declared her belief in her husband’s innocence following his sentencing for a brutal sexual assault on an elderly woman. Amol Vijay Dhumal, a 45-year-old man originally from India, received a five-year prison term for raping a 75-year-old grandmother in her Mount Colah home in Sydney’s north-west in April 2024.
Dhumal arrived at the victim’s residence to install solar panels alongside two colleagues. He returned alone two days later to address a power issue and carried out the assault in the living room. The victim recounted to the court that Dhumal claimed his wife withheld intimacy from him before grabbing her and proceeding with the attack as she protested in disbelief.
Family Struggles and Defiant Support
Gouri Dhumal, raising their twin boys alone—including one diagnosed with Level 3 Autism Spectrum Disorder—expressed frustration over the lack of community support. ‘I know my husband is innocent so I don’t want to talk about it,’ she stated firmly. ‘Just respect my privacy because there is no one around us that is helping. I’m in a stressful situation because there is no help from any community.’
In a character reference submitted to Judge Craig Everson SC on December 3, Ms. Dhumal described her husband as a ‘respectful, responsible, hardworking and kind person.’ She acknowledged the charge of sexual intercourse without consent but portrayed him as a ‘loyal and caring husband’ who fulfills his marital duties with sincerity. As a father, she noted, he shows remarkable patience and compassion toward their children, particularly the one requiring substantial ongoing support.
The couple met about 13 years ago, and Ms. Dhumal attended the sentencing hearing, where she affirmed, ‘My husband is loving and respectful.’ A psychological evaluation revealed they communicate by phone two to three times daily, with Dhumal emphasizing his role as the family’s primary financial provider and his commitment to caring for their son with autism.
Court Findings and Evidence
A New South Wales District Court jury convicted Dhumal of the rape in September 2024, rejecting his claim of consensual encounter. Prosecutors argued he used force to restrain the victim and position her during the assault. Forensic analysis confirmed the presence of Dhumal’s DNA in the woman’s underwear.
Dhumal’s defense sought bail, highlighting the twins’ needs: one with severe autism requiring constant support and the other facing speech delays needing regular therapy. A supporting letter warned that parental absence could harm the children’s emotional well-being and progress. Despite these pleas, the court imposed the sentence, making Dhumal eligible for parole in April 2030.
Dhumal intends to appeal the conviction and has indicated plans to escalate to the Supreme Court if necessary, driven by his desire to return home and resume family responsibilities.
Victim’s Lasting Trauma
The now 76-year-old survivor detailed profound devastation in her 1,549-word impact statement, absent from the courtroom during sentencing due to emotional distress. She described her existence as mere survival, confined in fear within her own home despite her attacker’s imprisonment. ‘This is the most torturous tragedy of my life. I’m in prison in my own home,’ she wrote.
Only her son knows of the assault; she shielded her grandchildren to preserve their innocence and promote multicultural values in their lives. The incident has isolated her from relatives, friends, church, and community events, leading to breakdowns and suicidal thoughts. ‘At times I was thinking, why am I still here? When I try to sleep, I’ve said to myself, I wish I don’t wake up anymore.’
