A court in Nagpur has delivered a significant verdict in a distressing case of stalking and molestation, sentencing a 23-year-old man to multiple terms of rigorous imprisonment for harassing a minor college student over a prolonged period.
Details of the Harassment and Stalking
The case, registered at Saoner police station, revealed a pattern of persistent harassment that lasted nearly a year. Between February 27, 2023, and February 24, 2024, the accused, identified as Adarsh Mohotkar, a resident of Parsodi in Kalmeshwar tehsil, subjected the victim to a terrifying ordeal. His actions included stalking the young woman, physically blocking her path, and using obscene language. He also issued threats to throw acid on her.
Mohotkar escalated the harassment by creating a fake social media profile to send defamatory and obscene messages directly to the victim. This campaign of fear and intimidation caused the minor student immense mental distress and trauma over the extended period.
Investigation and Court Conviction
Following a thorough investigation led by Police Inspector Ravindra Mankar, a detailed chargesheet was filed against the accused. The case was presented before the District and Sessions Court in Nagpur. On December 20, presiding judge H.A. Ansari found Mohotkar guilty on multiple charges.
The court considered the severity of the crimes, which fell under both the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, given the victim was a minor.
Sentencing and Legal Consequences
Judge Ansari imposed a layered sentence to reflect the gravity of each offense. The key components of the sentencing are as follows:
- Four years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 354 of the IPC (assault or criminal force to woman with intent to outrage her modesty) and Section 8 of the POCSO Act (sexual assault).
- Three years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 506(2) of the IPC (criminal intimidation).
- Two years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 12 of the POCSO Act (sexual harassment).
The court also levied fines for the offenses. The verdict stipulated that failure to pay these fines would result in additional imprisonment. The sentences are set to run concurrently, ensuring the convict serves a substantial term behind bars.
This ruling underscores the judiciary's firm stance against crimes targeting women and minors, particularly those involving stalking, intimidation, and sexual harassment. It sends a strong message about the legal repercussions of such predatory behavior.
