Varanasi: A Varanasi POCSO court on Friday sentenced Arif Ansari to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment in a case involving the rape and aggravated sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl.
The court found Ansari guilty under sections 333, 351(2) and 65(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, as well as sections 3/4(2) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The incident took place on Aug 10, 2024, around 4 pm, when the child was alone at home while her mother was working on the terrace, according to the FIR lodged by the victim’s mother. The court also noted that the victim was below 16 years of age at the time of the incident, attracting stringent punishment under the POCSO Act.
The judgment was delivered by Special Judge, POCSO Act, exclusive court, Varanasi, Nitin Pandey. The case, registered at Jaitpura police station, was prosecuted by special public prosecutor Santosh Kumar Singh. The accused, a resident of Saraiya, Pakki Mahal, allegedly entered the house and committed the offence. When the child cried for help, her mother rushed downstairs. The accused allegedly pushed the mother, abused her and fled the spot. He was also accused of threatening the child and attempting to silence her. During the trial, the prosecution examined five key witnesses, including the victim, her mother, medical personnel and police officials. The court relied on witness testimonies, medical evidence and other material on record to convict the accused.
Ansari was sentenced to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment under sections 3/4(2) of the POCSO Act and fined ₹50,000. The court also imposed sentences under other relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and directed that 50% of the fine amount, once deposited, be paid to the victim as compensation.