A court in Visakhapatnam has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing two individuals to two decades of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 15-year-old girl. The judgment, pronounced under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, underscores the legal system's commitment to protecting minors.
Details of the Heinous Crime
The case dates back to April 2025, when the minor girl was sexually assaulted by U Nookaraju (32) within the limits of the Bheemili police station in Vizag city. The police investigation revealed that Ch Hemalatha (24) actively assisted Raju in committing this grave offence.
Following the traumatic incident, the victim, supported by her relatives, gathered the courage to approach the authorities. A formal complaint was lodged against both accused, Raju and Hema, in June 2025. Acting promptly on the complaint, the police arrested the duo and subsequently filed a comprehensive charge-sheet against them, paving the way for a swift trial.
Court's Verdict and Punishment
The court, after examining the evidence, found both accused guilty beyond reasonable doubt. On Friday, the judge pronounced the following sentences:
- 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for both U Nookaraju and Ch Hemalatha.
- A monetary fine of Rs 25,000 imposed on each convict.
- The court also directed the government to provide Rs 40,000 as compensation to the victim's family.
This verdict highlights the zero-tolerance approach of the judiciary towards crimes against children. The POCSO Act is designed specifically to ensure speedy trials and severe penalties for perpetrators, aiming to deter such crimes and deliver justice to survivors.
A Message of Deterrence and Justice
The sentencing sends a powerful message about the consequences of violating children's safety. The combined punishment of a long jail term and financial penalty reflects the gravity of the crime. Furthermore, the court's directive for victim compensation is a crucial step towards supporting the survivor's family in their journey towards healing.
This case from Visakhapatnam (Vizag) serves as a grim reminder of the vulnerabilities children face and reinforces the critical role of the POCSO Act in safeguarding their rights. It also applauds the bravery of the survivor and her family in seeking legal recourse, which ultimately led to this conclusive judgment.
