Noida Court Delivers Justice in Minor Molestation Case
A special Pocso court in Noida delivered a significant verdict on Friday. The court sentenced a man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment. He must also pay a fine of Rs 50,000 for his crimes against a minor child.
Details of the Heinous Assault
The incident occurred two years ago in Jewar. A young girl, only nine years old at the time, was picking berries in a deserted jungle area. The accused man approached her and dragged her to a pit. He then sexually assaulted the child, leaving her unconscious at the scene.
The girl's mother filed a formal complaint on July 4, 2023. Police registered an FIR under serious sections of the Pocso Act. The initial charges included aggravated penetrative sexual assault, which carries severe penalties.
Courtroom Challenges and Witness Turnaround
The prosecution faced unexpected hurdles during the trial. Two key eyewitnesses completely changed their stories in court. These men had originally told police they rescued the minor and saw the accused fleeing the spot.
However, when presented as prosecution witnesses, both men gave contradictory statements. They told the court they did not see anyone running away. They claimed the minor girl said she had simply fallen from a tree.
The Judge's Careful Consideration
Judge Vikas Nagar presided over the case and examined all evidence thoroughly. The court noted the survivor remained the sole consistent witness. Her statements before the magistrate and in court showed no major contradictions.
The girl's parents corroborated the facts of the case. Their testimony supported their daughter's account of the traumatic event.
The judge made a crucial observation about the survivor's testimony. "There does not appear to be any reason to disbelieve the testimony given by the minor," the court stated. It emphasized the girl was below nine years old when the offense occurred.
Legal Nuances in the Verdict
The court acknowledged certain limitations in proving the most severe charge. Medical evidence did not conclusively support penetrative sexual assault. The minor's testimony did not clarify the specific nature of penetration.
Therefore, the court could not establish rape with absolute certainty. However, the judge ruled the evidence clearly proved molestation and aggravated sexual assault.
The court convicted the accused under specific legal provisions:
- IPC Section 354B for assault with intent to disrobe
- Pocso Act Section 10 for aggravated sexual assault
Rehabilitation Support for the Survivor
In a compassionate directive, the court ordered that eighty percent of the Rs 50,000 fine should go directly to the minor girl. This money will support her rehabilitation and recovery process.
The remaining twenty percent will go to the state as required by legal procedures.
This case highlights both the challenges and successes in prosecuting crimes against children. It demonstrates how courts carefully weigh evidence while ensuring justice for vulnerable survivors.
