A district court in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, has sentenced a 45-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor stepdaughter. The convict, whose identity has been withheld to protect the victim, was found guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Details of the Case
The crime came to light in 2023 when the 14-year-old victim confided in her school teacher about the abuse. The teacher immediately informed the local Childline authorities, leading to the filing of a First Information Report (FIR) at the Wadi police station in Kalaburagi district. The stepfather was arrested and has been in judicial custody since then.
During the trial, the prosecution presented compelling evidence, including medical reports and the victim's testimony. The court observed that the accused had committed a heinous crime against a child who was under his care and protection, which aggravated the offense.
Compensation Ordered
In addition to the prison term, the Kalaburagi District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has directed the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the victim within one month. The compensation is intended to support the survivor's rehabilitation and education.
The DLSA chairperson emphasized that the victim's identity would be kept confidential and that she would be provided with necessary counseling and support services.
Reactions and Impact
The verdict has been welcomed by child rights activists and local residents, who hope it will serve as a deterrent against similar crimes. The victim's mother, who was married to the accused, expressed relief at the judgment and thanked the legal system for delivering justice.
This case highlights the ongoing issue of child sexual abuse within families and the importance of reporting mechanisms like Childline and school awareness programs. Authorities urge parents and teachers to remain vigilant and encourage children to speak up about any form of abuse.
