Kurukshetra Fast Track Court Delivers 20-Year Sentence in Minor Abduction and POCSO Case
A fast track special court in Kurukshetra, dedicated to handling cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and rape, has delivered a significant verdict. On Thursday, the court awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment to a man convicted of abducting a minor girl and committing sexual assault against her.
Court Imposes Substantial Fine Alongside Prison Term
The Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADSJ) of Kurukshetra not only handed down the lengthy prison sentence but also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 1.30 lakh on the convicted individual. This dual penalty underscores the severity with which the judiciary is addressing crimes against minors, particularly under the stringent provisions of the POCSO Act.
Details of the Case and Police Investigation
Providing further details, the Kurukshetra district attorney outlined the sequence of events. On June 5, 2022, a resident of Kurukshetra filed a police complaint, reporting that his minor daughter had gone missing from their home on June 4, 2022, without informing anyone. The complainant expressed suspicion that the accused had enticed and taken his daughter away.
Acting promptly on the complaint, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act against the accused. An intensive investigation was immediately launched to locate the missing girl and apprehend the suspect.
Recovery of Victim and Legal Proceedings
During the investigation, the missing minor girl was successfully traced and recovered by the authorities. Following standard procedure, her medical examination was conducted to gather crucial evidence. The accused was subsequently arrested and, on court orders, sent to judicial custody to await trial.
After completing a thorough investigation, the police filed the challan before the competent court, setting the stage for legal proceedings. The case was then heard at the fast track special court, where regular hearings took place to examine the evidence and testimonies.
Guilty Verdict Based on Evidence
After careful consideration of all aspects, the ADSJ delivered a verdict on February 5, 2026. The judge held the accused guilty based on compelling witness testimonies and robust documentary evidence presented during the trial. This conviction highlights the effectiveness of fast track courts in expediting justice in sensitive cases involving minors.
Key Points of the Case:
- Offense: Abduction and sexual assault of a minor girl under the POCSO Act.
- Sentence: 20 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1.30 lakh.
- Investigation: Initiated on June 5, 2022, after a police complaint.
- Legal Framework: Case registered under IPC and POCSO Act provisions.
- Outcome: Accused found guilty on February 5, 2026, after fast track court hearings.
This ruling serves as a stern reminder of the legal consequences for crimes against children and reinforces the role of specialized courts in delivering timely justice. The Kurukshetra court's decision is expected to act as a deterrent, emphasizing society's zero-tolerance policy towards such heinous acts.