A court in Mangaluru has delivered a significant verdict in a distressing case of sexual assault against a minor, underscoring the judiciary's firm stance on protecting children from such heinous crimes. The Additional District & Sessions Judge-FTSC-I (Pocso), Mohana JS, has sentenced a 60-year-old man to three years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl, marking a crucial step towards justice for the survivor.
Details of the Convict and the Crime
According to Special Public Prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor, the convict is identified as Shankara Gowda, a resident of Belalu village in Belthangady taluk of Dakshina Kannada district. The incident occurred on March 21, 2025, when the minor girl was alone at her home. Gowda approached the girl under the pretext of asking for water, but later sexually assaulted her inside the house. In a chilling attempt to silence her, he threatened to kill both the girl and her parents if she disclosed the act to anyone, adding a layer of intimidation to the already traumatic event.
Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The case was investigated by Dharmashtala police sub-inspector Samarth Ravindra Ghanigara, who diligently pursued the matter and filed a chargesheet in court. The legal process culminated in a comprehensive sentencing that addresses multiple offences under relevant laws, reflecting the severity of the crime and the need for stringent punishment.
Court's Sentencing and Penalties
The court imposed a multi-faceted sentence on Gowda, ensuring that justice is served through both imprisonment and financial penalties. For the offence punishable under section 74 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which pertains to assault or criminal force to a woman with intent to outrage her modesty, he was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for three years and fined Rs 20,000.
Additionally, for the offence under section 75(2) of the BNS, related to sexual harassment, Gowda received a sentence of two years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 15,000. Under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, specifically section 8, he was sentenced to three years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 20,000.
Compensation and Concurrent Sentences
In a move to provide some relief to the victim, the court ordered that out of the total fine amount of Rs 55,000, a sum of Rs 50,000 be paid to her as compensation. This financial support aims to aid in her recovery and well-being. Furthermore, all the substantive punishments are to run concurrently, meaning Gowda will serve the sentences simultaneously rather than consecutively, effectively resulting in a three-year imprisonment term.
In a separate but related directive, the District Legal Services Authority has been instructed to pay Rs 1.5 lakh to the victim, as confirmed by the Special Public Prosecutor. This additional compensation underscores the legal system's commitment to supporting survivors of such crimes beyond mere punitive measures.
Implications and Broader Context
This case highlights the critical role of the Pocso Act in safeguarding minors from sexual offences and ensuring that perpetrators face strict legal consequences. The court's decision to impose both imprisonment and substantial fines, coupled with victim compensation, sends a strong message about the zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against children. It also reflects the collaborative efforts of law enforcement and the judiciary in upholding justice, as seen in the thorough investigation by the police and the detailed sentencing by the court.
For the community in Mangaluru and beyond, this verdict serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and reporting such incidents, while also offering hope that the legal system can deliver timely and effective justice. The case underscores the need for continued awareness and enforcement of laws like the Pocso Act to protect vulnerable individuals and deter potential offenders.
