Aligarh Pocso Court Delivers 20-Year Sentence for Heinous Crime Against Minor
A Pocso court in Aligarh has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a 25-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the brutal rape of a 16-year-old girl in 2021 and the subsequent uploading of a video depicting the assault online. The judgment was pronounced on Friday by Additional District and Sessions Judge Abhishek Kumar Bagaria, who underscored the critical necessity of isolating such perpetrators from society to facilitate reform and protect the community.
Details of the Assault and Legal Proceedings
According to the police complaint filed by the victim's mother, the horrific incident occurred when the girl, then a Class 12 student, was accosted by the convict, who was a neighbor. As she stepped outside her home, he forcibly dragged her into nearby bushes, where he sexually assaulted her. The assailant recorded the entire act on his mobile phone and later uploaded the video online, compounding the trauma inflicted upon the minor.
An FIR was promptly registered under IPC Section 376(3), which pertains to the punishment for rape of a woman under sixteen years of age, along with relevant provisions of the Pocso Act. The accused was arrested shortly after the complaint was filed. However, he was granted bail a few months later, a development that added to the legal complexities of the case.
Court's Verdict and Rationale
After a comprehensive trial that involved meticulous examination of all evidence and witnesses, the court delivered its verdict on Friday. Additional District Government Counsel (ADGC) Mahesh Singh confirmed the sentencing on Saturday, stating that the man received 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
In its detailed order, the court remarked, "The accused's entire act is punishable under the Indian Penal Code and the POCSO Act. Therefore, in the current circumstances, it seems justified to detain him in prison for reform efforts, keeping him away from society and family." The judge further noted that due to the young age of the accused and his role as the sole breadwinner for his family, the imposed fine was kept relatively low compared to the expenses incurred for the victim's treatment and rehabilitation.
Financial Penalty and Additional Consequences
The court imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on the convict. Of this amount, Rs 15,000 is designated to be given to the survivor as compensation. Should the convict fail to pay the fine, he will face an additional eight months of imprisonment, ensuring that the financial penalty is not taken lightly.
This case highlights the severe legal repercussions for crimes against minors, especially those involving digital exploitation. The court's emphasis on reform through isolation reflects a growing judicial approach to handling such sensitive and damaging offenses, aiming to balance punishment with societal protection and victim support.
