Udupi Court Delivers Swift Justice: Five-Year Sentence for Sexual Assault of Minor SC Girl
In a significant ruling, the Additional District and Sessions Court FTSC-1 (Pocso court) in Udupi has sentenced two men to five years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor girl belonging to a Scheduled Caste community. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on each of the convicted individuals, Sharath Shetty and Prashanth Naik, underscoring the gravity of their crimes.
Details of the Harrowing Incident
The victim, a school student from Amasebailu in Kundapur taluk, was subjected to sexual harassment while commuting to her educational institution. Sharath Shetty, who operated the autorickshaw she used for daily travel, along with his friend Prashanth Naik, both residents of Machattu village in the same taluk, perpetrated the assault. Following the traumatic event, the distressed girl courageously reported the incident to her teachers, who promptly alerted the Amasebailu police on July 15, 2025.
Legal Proceedings and Swift Investigation
Based on the formal complaint, law enforcement authorities registered a case under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, including stringent provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. Kundapur Deputy Superintendent of Police HD Kulkarni led a thorough investigation, completing it within an impressive 15-day timeframe and filing a chargesheet against the accused.
The trial proceeded rapidly, culminating in the court's verdict on Thursday. Public prosecutors Prakash Chandra Shetty, Jayaram Shetty, and Y T Raghavendra effectively argued the case on behalf of the survivor, ensuring her voice was heard in the pursuit of justice.
Broader Implications and Community Impact
This case highlights the critical importance of robust legal frameworks like the Pocso Act and SC/ST Act in safeguarding vulnerable populations. The swift action by the police and the court's decisive sentencing send a strong message against sexual violence and caste-based atrocities, reinforcing the commitment to protect minors and marginalized communities in India.
