A court in Kanpur has delivered a significant verdict in a child sexual abuse case, sentencing the accused to a substantial prison term. Special Judge for POCSO Act and Additional Sessions Judge, Rashmi Singh, on Wednesday convicted Harnam Singh and sentenced him to six years of rigorous imprisonment.
Court's Verdict and Financial Penalty
Alongside the prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 30,000 on the convict. In her detailed order, Judge Singh specified that if Harnam Singh fails to pay this fine, he will have to undergo an additional one-month term in jail. The court also directed that a significant portion of this fine, Rs 20,000, be given to the young victim as compensation for the mental and physical trauma she endured.
Furthermore, the judge ordered that the period the accused had already spent in jail during the trial proceedings would be adjusted against his six-year sentence. This ensures the time served in custody is accounted for.
Details of the 2020 Incident
The case dates back to September 27, 2020. According to the prosecution led by Special Prosecutor Bhawana Gupta, a complaint was filed by Ashok Valmiki, a resident of Kachchi Basti Barra 8. Valmiki alleged that on that day, while he was away at the market, Harnam Singh entered his house in his absence.
Once inside, Singh proceeded to molest Valmiki's 9-year-old daughter. The prosecution stated that the accused also tore the minor girl's clothes during the assault. Upon returning home, Ashok Valmiki found that local people had caught Harnam Singh and were thrashing him. The police were called and subsequently arrested the accused.
Trial and Victim's Testimony
During the trial, the young victim bravely narrated the entire incident before the court. Her testimony played a crucial role in establishing the sequence of events and the guilt of the accused. Based on the evidence presented, including the victim's account, the court found Harnam Singh guilty under the relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
Public Prosecutor Bhawana Gupta confirmed that the court, after holding the accused guilty, proceeded to pronounce the sentence of six years imprisonment. This verdict underscores the judiciary's firm stance on crimes against children and the enforcement of the POCSO Act.
