Mangaluru: The additional district and sessions court (FTSC-2 POCSO), Dakshina Kannada, has sentenced a 51-year-old man from Belagavi district to death for the brutal sexual assault and murder of a minor girl in Jokatte on August 6, 2024. The court delivered the judgment within a year of the incident, marking a swift conclusion to the trial.
Crime at Jokatte shocks residents
According to the police, the victim had been staying with her uncle in a rented house at Jokatte when the incident occurred. On the morning of August 6, 2024, between 9:00 am and 9:15 am, the accused, identified as Fakkeerappa Hanumappa Madar, trespassed into the house. He sexually assaulted the girl before killing her.
The shocking crime shook the local community, drawing widespread condemnation and highlighting the need for stronger measures to ensure the safety of children. A case was immediately registered at Panambur police station under Crime No. 89/2024.
Charges under BNS and POCSO
Following the investigation, the police filed a chargesheet under multiple provisions of law. The accused was charged under Section 103(1) (murder) and Section 332(a) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Section 4(2) of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
During the trial, the prosecution produced strong evidence to establish the guilt of the accused. After examining witnesses and material presented, the court held him guilty of the offences.
Court awards death penalty
On September 12, the court awarded the death penalty to Fakkeerappa for the charge of murder. In addition, he was sentenced to life imprisonment under the POCSO Act, along with a fine of ₹50,000. In case of non-payment, he will undergo an additional four months’ imprisonment.
The court also imposed another fine of ₹50,000 under Section 332(a) of the BNS Act, with a similar provision of four months’ imprisonment if the fine remains unpaid.
The accused had been in judicial custody for about a year while the trial was in progress. With the final judgment pronounced, the case has been disposed of within one year and one month of registration, underscoring the efficiency of the trial proceedings.
Swift investigation and prosecution
The investigation was conducted under the guidance of senior police officials. Former police commissioner Anupam Agrawal IPS, DCPs Siddharth Goyal IPS (law and order) and B. P. Dinesh Kumar (crime and traffic), and ACP Srikanth K (north subdivision) monitored the progress of the case.
Inspector Mohammad Saleem Abbas of Panambur police station played a key role in leading the investigation and filing the chargesheet that helped secure the conviction.
Police officials stated that the speedy trial and conviction were the result of coordinated efforts between the investigating team, prosecutors, and the judiciary, ensuring justice for the victim.
Significance of the verdict
The judgment has been welcomed as a strong message against crimes targeting minors. Legal experts noted that awarding the death penalty in such cases reflects the seriousness with which courts are dealing with offences involving sexual violence against children.
The case also highlights the effectiveness of special courts like the FTSC-2 POCSO in expediting justice. Families of victims and child rights activists have often stressed the need for fast-track trials in cases of sexual violence, and this judgment stands as an example of such timely justice.
Conclusion
The Jokatte case serves as both a reminder of the brutality of crimes against children and a reassurance that swift justice is possible when law enforcement and the judiciary work hand in hand. With the sentencing of Fakkeerappa Hanumappa Madar, the court has not only delivered justice to the victim’s family but also set a stern precedent against perpetrators of such heinous crimes.