Shivamogga
A Shivamogga court has sentenced a 30-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in Bhadravati. The incident, which shocked the local community, dates back to 2022 when the accused lured the minor and committed the crime. Circle Inspector Raghavendra Kandike investigated the case thoroughly and submitted a detailed charge sheet to the FTSC-1 court. After hearing the arguments, Judge Ninganagouda Patil ruled in favor of the prosecution, led by Sridhar, handing down a tough 20-year sentence and imposing a fine of ₹65,000 on the criminal.
As part of the judgment, the government has also been directed to compensate the survivor with ₹4.5 lakh, a gesture appreciated by child rights groups for supporting recovery and rehabilitation. The prosecution stressed the importance of speedy justice and strict punishment for such offenses to protect children and deter future crimes.
In a separate but similar case, the Mysore POCSO special court sentenced another culprit to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine for luring and marrying a minor girl before sexually assaulting her repeatedly. The accused, a toy seller who was already married, deceived the PUC student and committed the crime. Judge Anand P. Hogade delivered a decisive verdict under the POCSO Act, strengthening the judiciary’s stand against crimes targeting minors. The survivor in the case will receive government support for her well-being.
Courts across Karnataka are sending out a strong message: justice will be swift and ruthless for those preying on children.