A special POCSO court in Panchkula has sentenced a man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for attempting to rape a 13-year-old girl and wrongfully confining her. The case, registered at the Sector 7 police station in 2022, was based on a complaint filed by the victim's mother.
Incident Details
According to the complaint, the 13-year-old girl had gone out to buy groceries after returning from school. When she did not return after some time, her family began searching for her. They heard her cries coming from a neighbour's house, where the accused was allegedly assaulting her.
The victim's mother stated that the accused had forcibly taken her daughter to his home and attempted to rape her. When the girl raised an alarm, the accused fled. Later, the victim told her mother that the accused had threatened to kill her if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
Court Verdict
The POCSO court, after considering the evidence and testimonies, found the accused guilty under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine.
According to the prosecution, the accused had wrongfully confined the minor and attempted to commit rape, which constituted a grave offence under the POCSO Act. The court emphasised the need for stringent punishment in cases involving minors to serve as a deterrent.
Impact and Reaction
The verdict has been welcomed by child rights activists and the local community, who see it as a step towards justice for the victim. The case highlights the importance of prompt reporting and legal action in cases of sexual assault against children.
The POCSO Act provides for strict penalties, including life imprisonment, for sexual offences against minors. In this case, the court awarded a 10-year sentence, reflecting the severity of the crime.
