Ongole Special Court Delivers Stringent Verdict in Child Sexual Assault Case
In a landmark judgment underscoring the strict enforcement of child protection laws, the special POCSO court in Ongole, Andhra Pradesh, has sentenced a 46-year-old man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl. The court, presided over by Judge K Sailaja, also imposed a fine of ₹6,000 on the convict, Nallagorla Srinivasa Rao, a resident of Swarna village in Karamchedu mandal.
Details of the Heinous Crime and Investigation
The incident dates back to September 29, 2020, when the accused lured the minor girl with promises of pulses and chocolates while she was alone at home. Her parents had gone out for work, leaving the child vulnerable. Following the assault, the victim's parents promptly lodged a complaint, leading to the registration of a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act within the limits of the Karamchedu police station in Bapatla district.
Sub-inspector R Ahmed Jani officially registered the case, and the investigation was spearheaded by then Chirala Training DSP Sravathi Roy. The investigative team meticulously recorded statements from the victim, the complainant, and key witnesses, examined the crime scene, and ensured the collection of crucial physical evidence to build a robust case.
Systematic Trial and Conviction Process
During the trial, police officials maintained close monitoring of the court proceedings to ensure that witnesses could depose without fear or intimidation. Special public prosecutor Gottipati Srinivasa Rao presented the case effectively, arguing the charges with precision and establishing the guilt of the accused beyond any reasonable doubt.
The conviction was hailed as a result of a prompt and thorough investigation, timely filing of the charge sheet, and systematic court monitoring. Bapatla district superintendent of police B Umamaheshwar, IPS, emphasized that this verdict sends a strong message about the consequences of committing atrocities against women and children.
Authorities Issue Stern Warning to Offenders
In a statement following the verdict, SP B Umamaheshwar warned that strict action will be taken against those who commit such heinous crimes, stressing that offenders cannot escape punishment under the law. He reiterated the commitment of law enforcement agencies to ensure justice for victims and to uphold the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act.
This case highlights the critical importance of vigilant investigation, community awareness, and legal diligence in combating child sexual abuse. The verdict serves as a reminder of the legal framework's resolve to protect the most vulnerable members of society and deliver justice swiftly and decisively.
