Bokaro Court Delivers Verdict in Minor Molestation Case
A special Pocso court in Bokaro has handed down a significant sentence in a disturbing case involving a minor girl. Special Judge Devesh Kumar Tripathi pronounced the verdict on Thursday, sending a clear message about the seriousness of such crimes.
Details of the Incident
The incident occurred on July 4, 2024, when a 16-year-old girl was returning home from school on her bicycle. According to Special Public Prosecutor Ravishankar Chaudhary, 20-year-old Mansukh Ansari forcibly stopped the girl on her way home.
Ansari then proposed marriage to the minor girl. When she refused his proposal, his behavior turned aggressive. He snatched her dupatta and committed indecent acts against her.
Legal Proceedings and Challenges
After the traumatic incident, the survivor and her family approached the local police station. However, authorities did not register an FIR initially. This forced the girl's mother to take direct action by filing a complaint in court.
The court examined all available evidence and witness testimonies thoroughly. Special Judge Devesh Kumar Tripathi found Ansari guilty under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
Court's Sentence and Penalties
The court sentenced Mansukh Ansari to four years of rigorous imprisonment for his crimes. In addition to the prison term, the judge imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the convict.
The court specified that failure to pay this fine would result in an additional one-year jail term. This comprehensive punishment reflects the gravity of offenses against minors.
Broader Implications
This case highlights several important issues in the justice system. It demonstrates the challenges families sometimes face when seeking immediate police action. It also shows how courts can intervene directly when necessary.
The verdict reinforces the legal protections available to minors under Indian law. It serves as a reminder that crimes against children will face serious consequences in the judicial system.
