Sullia: A special court constituted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has sentenced a man to five years of simple imprisonment for sexually harassing a minor girl in Darkhasu village. The court also imposed a fine of ₹20,000 on the convict and ordered that the entire amount be paid to the victim as compensation. The verdict was delivered in a case dating back to April 2020.

The convicted person has been identified as M. Selvakumar, a resident of Darkhasu in Bellare. The judgment was pronounced by the 5th Additional District and Sessions Court and Special POCSO Court at Puttur after a detailed trial in which the prosecution successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

Incident and background of the case

According to the prosecution, Selvakumar was living in a rented house in Darkhasu village at the time of the incident. On April 1, 2020, he allegedly lured a minor girl by offering her chocolates. Trusting him, the child followed him, after which he sexually harassed her.

The incident came to light when the victim disclosed the act to her family. Deeply disturbed by what had happened, the girl’s mother approached the Bellare police and filed a formal complaint. Taking cognisance of the seriousness of the offence, the police registered a case under relevant sections of the POCSO Act, which is meant to provide stringent punishment for crimes against children.

Police action and investigation

Following the registration of the complaint, the Bellare police arrested Selvakumar and initiated a detailed investigation. Police officials recorded statements from the victim, her family members and other relevant witnesses. As required under the POCSO Act, the investigation was carried out with due sensitivity, keeping the best interests of the child in mind.

After completing the investigation, the police submitted a chargesheet before the court, outlining the sequence of events and placing on record the evidence collected during the probe. The chargesheet clearly indicated that the offence involved sexual harassment of a minor, making it a serious criminal offence under special law.

Trial proceedings before the special court

The case was taken up for trial by the Special POCSO Court. During the course of the proceedings, the prosecution examined a total of 17 witnesses to establish the guilt of the accused. These included the victim, key family members, police officers involved in the investigation and other supporting witnesses.

One of the most crucial pieces of evidence was the statement given by the victim before the court. The minor girl confidently identified Selvakumar as the person who had sexually harassed her. The court noted that her testimony was consistent and trustworthy and was supported by other material evidence presented by the prosecution.

The Bellare police placed documentary and oral evidence before the court to corroborate the victim’s version of events. The defence was given full opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses and present its arguments.

Court’s findings

After analysing the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, Presiding Judge Saritha D. concluded that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges against the accused beyond reasonable doubt. The court observed that the victim’s testimony was reliable and that there were no contradictions or inconsistencies that would weaken the prosecution case.

The judge also observed that offences against children are grave in nature and leave long-lasting psychological and emotional scars on victims. The court emphasised that the POCSO Act was enacted to ensure stringent punishment for such offences and to serve as a deterrent to potential offenders.

Sentence and compensation ordered

Based on the findings, the court sentenced Selvakumar to five years of simple imprisonment. In addition to the jail term, the court imposed a fine of ₹20,000 on the convict. It further ordered that in the event of failure to pay the fine, the accused would have to undergo an additional six months of simple imprisonment.

Importantly, the court directed that the entire fine amount of ₹20,000 be paid to the victim as compensation. The order was passed keeping in mind the welfare of the minor and the need to provide some financial relief to help her and her family cope with the trauma caused by the offence.

Role of the prosecution

The prosecution in the case was led by Special Public Prosecutor Kudriya Pushparaj Adyanthaya, who represented the State. The court noted that the prosecution had placed the evidence in a clear and effective manner, ensuring that the child was protected from unnecessary hardship during the trial.

Officials said the case demonstrated the importance of prompt reporting of offences and thorough investigation in securing convictions in crimes against children.

Conclusion

The conviction and sentencing in the Darkhasu sexual harassment case reiterate the judiciary’s firm stance on crimes against minors. The verdict sends a strong message that sexual offences against children will not be tolerated and that offenders will face strict punishment under the law. Authorities have once again urged parents, guardians and members of the public to report such incidents without delay so that justice can be delivered and children can be protected.