Bahraich : A Pocso court in Bahraich has sentenced a youth to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 15-year-old girl and imposed a fine of Rs 54,000.
The case dates back to 2022 and falls under the jurisdiction of Dargah Sharif police station. The victim’s brother lodged a complaint alleging that his 15-year-old sister had been lured and sexually assaulted by the accused, according to the prosecution. Police registered a case under Sections 376, 506 and 120-B of the Indian Penal Code and a chargesheet was filed on July 26, 2022.
The court noted that the accused was a minor at the time of the offence and directed that the sentence be executed in accordance with the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act. The accused allegedly threatened to kill the girl if she disclosed the incident. The victim subsequently became pregnant and gave birth to a child.
Given the gravity of the charges, the matter was transferred to the Children’s Court on Sept 3, 2024. The case was initially heard by the Juvenile Justice Board. Additional Sessions Judge (Pocso court) subsequently found the accused guilty and awarded the sentence. The court also ordered additional imprisonment in case of non-payment of the fine.