Mangaluru: The Additional District and Sessions Fast Track Special Court-II (POCSO) has sentenced a 43-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹55,000 for abducting a minor girl under the pretext of marriage. The judgment was delivered by Judge Maanu KS.
Convict befriended girl under false claims
The convict, Sameer, from Lingappayya Kadu Bijapur Colony in Mulki, became acquainted with the girl as he supplied chicken to the restaurant run by her mother. Claiming to be unmarried, he gained her trust and convinced her to leave home with him.
On June 28, 2024, Sameer took the girl in a car to Sagar in Shivamogga district. He then travelled with her to Chitradurga, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Surathkal police arrested him at the KSRTC bus stand when he returned to Mangaluru on August 28.
Court verdict and sentencing
Based on the charge sheet filed by then Inspector Raghu Naik and PSI Mahesh Prasad, the court found Sameer guilty under Section 376(2) of the IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. He was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹50,000. If he defaults on the fine, he will undergo an additional four months of simple imprisonment.
The court also imposed three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 under IPC Section 363 for kidnapping. In default, he will serve one more month of simple imprisonment.
Compensation for the survivor
The co-accused, Nagraj, a staff member of the lodge, was acquitted due to lack of evidence. Sahana Devi Boloor, the Special Public Prosecutor, represented the prosecution in the case.
The court ordered the fine amount of ₹55,000 to be paid to the girl and directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide her ₹3.4 lakh as compensation for her welfare and rehabilitation.
Conclusion
The case highlights the judiciary’s firm stance on crimes involving minors, with the court emphasising strong sentencing and compensation to support the survivor.