A court in Karnataka has delivered a stern verdict in a distressing case of sexual assault against a minor, sentencing the perpetrator to two decades of rigorous imprisonment. The Additional District and Sessions Court in Gangavathi, Koppal district, imposed the punishment under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Harassment and the Abduction
The convicted individual, identified as Hullesh Kojja, a resident of HRS Colony in Gangavathi, had been persistently following and harassing a young school-going girl on her daily commute. The situation escalated dramatically on September 7, 2022. As the victim was walking to school, Kojja approached her on a motorcycle near Hosalli Cross.
Under the false pretext of taking her to school, he forced the terrified girl onto his vehicle. Ignoring her clear objections, he compelled her to ride with him. However, he deviated from the promised route, betraying the child's trust.
The Assault and Threats
Instead of taking her to the safety of her school, the accused forcibly took the minor to an isolated spot near Vanabhadreshwara Hill, close to Mallapur village. There, he committed the horrific act of sexual assault. To ensure her silence, he resorted to intimidation, threatening to kill both the girl and her father if she dared to disclose the incident to anyone.
Legal Proceedings and Judgment
A formal complaint was subsequently registered at the Gangavathi Rural police station. The investigation was led by Police Inspector Manjunath S, who took charge of the case. The legal proceedings saw Special Government Prosecutor Gouramma Desai arguing for the state.
After evaluating the evidence, Judge Sadanand Nagappa Nayak pronounced the verdict. The court found Hullesh Kojja guilty under the relevant sections of the POCSO Act. The sentence comprises 20 years of rigorous imprisonment coupled with a substantial monetary penalty. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1.5 lakh on the convict.
This judgment underscores the judiciary's commitment to delivering swift and severe justice in cases involving crimes against children, sending a strong deterrent message to potential offenders.
