Nashik : A special Pocso court in Nashik on Friday sentenced a 44-year-old man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually harassing a minor girl after luring her with snacks in the Panchavati area in 2020.
The incident occurred on Nov 9, 2020, between 4pm and 5pm at a slum locality in Panchavati, according to the prosecution. Based on a complaint lodged by the girl’s family, Panchavati police registered an offence under sections 354 and 354(A) of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the Pocso Act. The accused allegedly took advantage of the absence of the girl’s family members, lured the girl with biscuits and sexually harassed her. He was also accused of engaging in obscene behaviour. The investigation was conducted by then sub-inspector Dhanashree Patil of Panchavati police station. Following the verdict, Nashik police commissioner Sandeep Karnik and deputy commissioner of police (crime) Kirankumar Chavan lauded the efforts of the investigating officers, prosecution team and court liaison staff for securing the conviction.
She collected crucial circumstantial evidence and subsequently filed a chargesheet before the court. Additional public prosecutors Bhanupriya Pethkar and R P Gavit represented the state and presented witness testimonies and evidence before the court, leading to the conviction.
Court Convicts Accused Under Pocso Act, Orders Compensation
A district and sessions court has convicted an individual under Section 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, 2012. The presiding judge, R N Pandhare, imposed a fine of Rs 3,000 and stipulated an additional three months of simple imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
Furthermore, the court has mandated that the convict pay Rs 50,000 in compensation to the victim within one month. Failure to comply with this order will result in an additional one year of simple imprisonment.