The Udupi Additional District POCSO Special Court has sentenced Sachin Poojari, 26, from Kota, to 37 years of rigorous imprisonment for the abduction and sexual assault of a minor girl in 2022. Poojari, a relative of the victim, exploited their familial relationship to gain her trust before kidnapping and repeatedly assaulting her.
The court’s decision was based on substantial evidence, including witness testimonies and stolen gold ornaments from the victim’s family. Poojari was found guilty of multiple offenses: abduction, rape, extortion, and threats.
Poojari received a range of sentences: five years in prison and a Rs. 5,000 fine for abduction, ten years and a Rs. 10,000 fine for rape, one year and a Rs. 3,000 fine for extortion, and one year and a Rs. 2,000 fine for threats. Additionally, he was sentenced to twenty years and a Rs. 20,000 fine specifically for raping a minor.
The total fines amount to Rs. 40,000, with Rs. 30,000 allocated to the victim and Rs. 10,000 to the government. The court also mandated compensation of Rs. 2 lakh to the victim, with an additional Rs. 2 lakh provided by the government. All sentences are to be served concurrently.
Special Public Prosecutor Y.T. Raghavendra represented the government in this case, ensuring justice for the victim and reinforcing the court’s commitment to addressing serious crimes against minors.