A POCSO court in Kota on Thursday sentenced a 35-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a 7-year-old girl in September 2024. The court also levied a fine of Rs 1.10 lakh on the convict, with provisions for additional imprisonment in case of default.
Details of the Crime
According to the First Information Report (FIR) lodged at the Nayapura police station under various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the incident occurred on September 1, 2024. The convict, a daily wage labourer and a relative of the victim, lured the minor girl, who was a second-grade student, with edible items to his room. Once inside, he subjected her to sexual assault.
Legal Proceedings and Custody
The accused was arrested in September 2024 following the registration of the case and had been in judicial custody since then. The trial concluded swiftly, with the court delivering its verdict less than a year after the crime. The prosecution presented strong evidence, including medical reports and witness testimonies, leading to the conviction.
The court also directed that the fine amount, if recovered, be paid as compensation to the victim's family to aid in her rehabilitation and support. The case highlights the stringent measures under the POCSO Act to ensure justice for minors and deter such heinous crimes.
Local authorities and child rights activists have welcomed the verdict, emphasizing the need for swift justice in cases involving children. The identity of the convict and victim has been withheld to protect the minor's privacy as per legal norms.
