Mangaluru: A special court in Mangaluru has sentenced a 44-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with a case registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The judgment was delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge, FTSC-II (POCSO), Maanu K S. The convict has been identified as Dayanand Moolya (44).
Incident and complaint
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on November 16, 2025. A seven-year-old girl was alone at home when the accused allegedly entered the house without permission and committed the offence. He also reportedly threatened the child with harm if she disclosed the incident to anyone.
The matter came to light when the child later informed her mother. Based on the complaint filed, a case was registered at Mulki Police Station on November 22.
Investigation and charge sheet
The investigation was carried out by Police Inspector Manjunath B S, who gathered evidence and recorded statements relevant to the case. Following the completion of the investigation, a charge sheet was filed before the court.
During the trial, the prosecution presented evidence and arguments establishing the guilt of the accused. Special Public Prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor represented the case and highlighted the seriousness of the offence and its impact on the child.
Court verdict and sentencing
After examining the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the court found the accused guilty under relevant provisions of the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
For the primary offence under POCSO Section 6 along with BNS Section 65(2) and POCSO Section 4(2), the court sentenced the accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹30,000.
Additionally, for unlawful entry into the house under BNS Section 332(B), the convict was awarded three years of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹5,000. For issuing threats under BNS Section 351(3), the court imposed a sentence of two years of simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000.
Compensation for survivor
The court also directed that compensation be provided to the survivor. A total amount of ₹4 lakh has been awarded, which includes ₹40,000 from the fine imposed on the convict.
The remaining ₹3.60 lakh is to be provided by the District Legal Services Authority, ensuring financial assistance for the survivor’s support and rehabilitation.
Emphasis on child protection laws
The case highlights the importance of strict enforcement of laws designed to protect children from abuse. The POCSO Act provides stringent provisions to address such offences and ensure justice for survivors.
Legal experts note that timely reporting, effective investigation, and swift trial proceedings play a crucial role in delivering justice in such sensitive cases.
Conclusion
The verdict underscores the judiciary’s commitment to dealing firmly with crimes against children and ensuring accountability. Authorities have reiterated the need for vigilance, awareness, and prompt reporting of such incidents to safeguard children and uphold the law.