The Additional District and Sessions Court (POCSO FTSC-1) in Mangaluru, presided over by Judge Vinay Devaraj, sentenced Gagan (24) to one year of simple imprisonment for filming a girl bathing. The incident occurred on March 10, 2024, within Bajpe police limits.

Special Public Prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor stated that Gagan climbed the compound wall of the victim’s house and filmed her through an uncovered exhaust fan opening in the bathroom. The girl noticed the light from the phone and screamed, alerting her mother. The accused fled the scene, but a case was promptly filed at Bajpe police station.

The investigation, led by PSIs Gurappa Kanthi and Revanna Siddappa G, with a chargesheet filed by PSI Satish KS, culminated in sentencing within nine months. Despite the accused deleting the video, witness testimonies, including the victim’s mother identifying the accused fleeing the spot, secured the conviction.

Under Section 354(C) (voyeurism) of the IPC, the court sentenced Gagan to one year of simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹20,000. Failure to pay would result in an additional three months of imprisonment. Additionally, ₹10,000 of the fine will be given to the victim, and the District Legal Services Authority was directed to compensate her with ₹1 lakh.

This swift judgment highlights the importance of legal action in addressing such crimes.

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