Belagavi Court Imposes 30-Year Sentence in Minor Rape Case, Awards Compensation
A special court designated under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Belagavi has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a 25-year-old man to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl. The convict, identified as Nagesh Kareppa Lamani from Kangrali (KH), was also fined Rs 2 lakh by the court.
Details of the Heinous Crime and Investigation
According to the official complaint lodged in June 2020 at the APMC police station by the survivor, the accused entered her house when no family members were present and committed the rape. He further threatened to kill her family members if she disclosed the incident to anyone. The traumatic assault resulted in the minor girl becoming pregnant, and she gave birth to a child a few months later.
The case was initially registered by PSI Manjunath Bhajantri. The investigation was carried out by Investigating Officer Dilip Kumar, who submitted a comprehensive chargesheet to the additional district and sessions court. The matter was subsequently transferred to the special fast track POCSO court for expedited proceedings.
Court Proceedings and Judgment
Presiding over the case, Judge CM Pushpalatha found the charges against Nagesh Kareppa Lamani proven beyond reasonable doubt. The judgment was based on the meticulous examination of 7 witnesses and 37 documents presented during the trial.
In addition to the imprisonment and fine, the court ruled that in default of payment, the convict would have to serve an additional one year in prison. Significantly, the court also directed that the survivor receive Rs 7 lakh as compensation from the District Legal Services Authority. This compensation amount is to be deposited in a nationalised bank for a period of 5 years to ensure financial security for the victim and her child.
Legal Representation and Broader Implications
Special Government Prosecutor LV Patil represented the state and presented arguments in the case. This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to delivering swift and severe punishment in cases of sexual violence against minors, particularly under the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act. The order for substantial compensation also highlights the growing recognition of the long-term financial and emotional rehabilitation needs of survivors in such tragic cases.
