A Special Court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in Vijayawada has sentenced a man to life imprisonment till the end of his natural life in a case involving grave offences against a minor.
The verdict was delivered by POCSO Court Judge V Bhavani, who also imposed a fine of ₹6,000 on the convict. The court directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure that the survivor receives ₹5 lakh in government assistance at the earliest.
Case background
According to the prosecution, the case dates back to 2023 when the accused, then aged 21, visited Mantada village where his mother was living separately with her two daughters due to marital disputes. The accused and his father were residing in Pentlur village of Kondapi mandal in Prakasam district.
Investigators stated that the accused misled the 17-year-old girl under false assurances and subjected her to repeated abuse. In 2024, he reportedly took her to Vijayawada and later to Hyderabad.
Complaint and arrest
Police said that in February last year, the accused and his father left the girl at Ongole bus stand before travelling elsewhere. After returning home, the minor fell ill, and medical examinations revealed she was pregnant.
Upon learning of the incident, the mother lodged a complaint. Pamidimukkala police registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act and other applicable laws. The accused was later arrested from Pentlur by Gudivada DSP Dheeraj Vinil.
Court’s observations
The court treated the offence with utmost seriousness, awarding life imprisonment till death. Authorities reiterated the importance of protecting minors and ensuring strict action in cases involving abuse of trust.
Officials said legal and rehabilitation support mechanisms will continue to assist the survivor.