A Pocso court in Panaji has sentenced Digkson Lobo to three years of imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor girl while she was traveling home from school on a bus in December 2024. The court rejected the defense's plea for a sentence limited to a fine, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the need for justice.
Court Rejects Lenient Sentence
When Lobo's lawyer sought his release on only a fine without jail time, public prosecutor S Navgenkar argued that this might be the first time in Goa that a minor girl has shown the confidence to file a complaint about molestation on a bus. She contended that there was no justification for the accused to molest a young girl and scar her for life, and she demanded the maximum sentence.
The court observed that the victim was barely 17 years old at the time of the incident and could not be released by imposing only a fine. Presiding officer of the fast track special court, Pooja C Kavlekar, stated, “In fact, the victim mustered the courage to get the accused apprehended, made a complaint, and went through the ordeal of trial. When this entire process has been done for such a long period of time, releasing the accused with a flea-bite sentence will defeat the whole purpose of trial and justice. Therefore, this court cannot release the accused by imposing fine simpliciter.”
Details of the Incident
The girl's brother filed a complaint at Mapusa police station regarding the sexual harassment of his sister on a bus. The incident occurred around 3 pm when the girl was returning home from school. She was sitting in the second row behind the driver. The accused sat beside her and started talking to her. Initially, she was listening to music and refused to answer, but he persisted, asking where the bus was going. He introduced himself as a photographer and claimed he was looking for girls interested in modeling, adding that he had visited a college for that purpose. He asked her where she lived and her age, but she began ignoring him. He then exposed his private part, began masturbating, and attempted to touch her.
The girl immediately called her elder brother and informed him. He instructed her to get off the bus and move to a crowded place. When she disembarked, the accused followed her. She later recounted the incident to her brother and cousin and identified the accused.
Legal Proceedings and Sentencing
The court found Lobo guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The three-year sentence reflects the court's stance on protecting minors and deterring such offenses. The public prosecutor highlighted the courage of the victim in coming forward and undergoing the trial process, which the court acknowledged in its judgment.
