Kanpur: A special Pocso court in Kannauj sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 2 lakh for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl. The court observed that he will undergo an additional year in jail if he fails to pay the fine.
On Oct 22, 2024, the girl was grazing buffaloes near the village when the convict forcibly took her to a deserted ruin and assaulted her. On hearing the girl’s screams, a woman and a youth rushed to the spot. Villagers caught the convict and handed him over to police. Acting on a complaint from the girl’s father, police registered an FIR under rape and Pocso Act provisions. Investigators collected evidence, arranged the victim’s medical examination and sent forensic material to the forensic science laboratory.
The accused was convicted under Section 6 of Pocso Act. The court ordered that the entire fine be used for the victim’s treatment and rehabilitation. During the trial, the prosecution presented the victim’s statement, medical and forensic reports and witness testimony. The court convicted the man after examining the evidence and arguments from both sides.