Mangaluru: The Additional District and Sessions FTSC-2 (POCSO) Court in Mangaluru has sentenced a 20-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the abduction and sexual assault of a minor girl. The convict, identified as Mahesh Madara from Hole Munnuru in Ron taluk of Gadag district, was found guilty after a detailed trial.

The case, which dates back to 2015, was investigated by the Pandeshwar police and prosecuted under relevant provisions of the law, including the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Background of the case

According to prosecution records, the victim, a minor at the time of the incident, was working as a home nurse and living with her parents in a rented house on the outskirts of Mangaluru. The accused was residing in a neighbouring house, which led to a prior acquaintance between the two.

On May 19, 2015, the accused allegedly contacted the victim and asked her to meet him at Ballalbagh. The prosecution stated that he subsequently took her to another location, where he committed the offence against her will. It was further alleged that the accused later took the victim out of the city and continued the assault.

The details of the incident were presented before the court during the trial, following which the judge evaluated the evidence and testimonies.

Investigation and legal proceedings

The case came to light after a complaint was filed by the organisation where the victim was employed. Acting on the complaint, the Pandeshwar police traced both the accused and the victim and initiated legal proceedings.

A case was registered under Sections 137(2) and 65(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act, which deal with serious offences against minors.

The investigation was carried out by then Sub-Inspector Rekha R., while the chargesheet was submitted by Inspector Gururaj. The prosecution presented evidence and witness statements to establish the sequence of events and the role of the accused.

Special Public Prosecutor Sahanadevi Bolur represented the state and argued the case during the trial.

Court verdict and sentencing

After examining the evidence, Judge Manu K.S. found the accused guilty of the charges. The court imposed a sentence of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the offence under the POCSO Act and BNS Section 65(1).

In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of Rs 30,000. In case of non-payment, the accused will have to undergo an additional three months of simple imprisonment.

For the offence of abduction under BNS Section 137(2), the court awarded a separate sentence of three years’ imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5,000. Failure to pay this fine would result in an additional one month of simple imprisonment.

The court directed that the total fine amount of Rs 35,000 be paid to the victim.

Compensation and support to victim

Recognising the impact of the crime on the survivor, the court also directed the Legal Services Authority to provide compensation of Rs 3.65 lakh to the victim. This compensation is aimed at supporting her rehabilitation and addressing the long-term effects of the incident.

Such measures are in line with provisions intended to ensure justice is not limited to punishment alone, but also includes support for victims.

Conclusion

The verdict underscores the judiciary’s firm stance in dealing with crimes against minors and reinforces the importance of timely investigation and prosecution. The case also highlights the role of institutions and law enforcement agencies in ensuring that offences are reported and pursued through due legal process.

Authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance and prompt reporting of crimes, particularly those involving vulnerable individuals, to ensure justice and deterrence.