Bengaluru court sentences construction labourer to 20 years in POCSO case

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After examining the evidence and hearing witness testimonies, the court found the accused guilty and awarded 20 years’ imprisonment under the relevant provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012. | Photo Credit: Getty Images

The Special Court dealing with cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, has sentenced a construction labourer to 20 years of imprisonment for sexually assaulting his 16-year-old minor daughter.

The Fast Track Special Court-I (FTSC-1), Bengaluru, convicted the accused under Sections 4 and 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012, and Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code. The court imposed fines totalling ₹10,000 and directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide compensation of ₹2 lakh to the victim.

The incident occurred in June 2023 when the accused was living with his four children. As the family had been to their native place to attend a family member’s funeral, the accused returned home in an inebriated state and raped his daughter who was alone at home.

Following a complaint lodged at the Mahalakshmi Layout Police Station, a case was registered. The investigating officers subsequently filed a chargesheet before the court.

After examining the evidence and hearing witness testimonies, the court found the accused guilty and awarded 20 years’ imprisonment under the relevant provisions of the POCSO Act, 2012. The accused was also convicted for criminal intimidation.

Judge S. Sujatha delivered the verdict. Special Public Prosecutor P. Krishnaveni represented the prosecution in the case.