Justice D. Vinay of the Additional District and Sessions (POCSO) FTSC-1 Court sentenced Abdul Kareem (39) to 13 years imprisonment and Sadiq (34) to three years for assaulting a minor girl in an auto-rickshaw.
Kareem, a beedi worker from Ilanthila taluk, and Sadiq, an auto-rickshaw driver from Mogru village, were found guilty of the crime. The incident occurred when Kareem, an acquaintance of the victim, offered her a ride while she was walking towards Nelolda Palke in Bandaru village. Upon reaching Kuntala Palke, the assault took place. The victim, in a bid to escape, leapt from the moving auto-rickshaw, injuring herself. The two accused fled without stopping the vehicle.
A case was registered at the Dharmasthala police station, leading to a detailed investigation. Kareem was fined ₹15,000 alongside his prison sentence, while Sadiq was ordered to pay ₹5,000.
Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Pramoda Nayak initiated the case proceedings, later taken over by Prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor. Their combined efforts in examining witnesses and presenting arguments played a crucial role in securing the convictions.
This judgment reinforces the judicial system’s commitment to protecting minors and ensuring justice in crimes under the POCSO Act.
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