Udupi: In a landmark judgment, the Udupi Additional District POCSO Special Court has sentenced Sachin Pujari, a 26-year-old resident of Kota, to a total of 37 years in prison for the abduction and sexual assault of a minor girl in 2022. Pujari, a relative of the victim, was found guilty of abducting the girl, raping her, extorting money and gold ornaments, and intimidating her.
The court imposed various sentences, including:
- Five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 for abduction
- Ten years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000 for rape
- One year of imprisonment and a fine of ₹3,000 for extortion
- One year of imprisonment and a fine of ₹2,000 for intimidation
- Twenty years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹20,000 for raping a minor girl
Additionally, the court ordered Pujari to pay a compensation of ₹2 lakhs to the victim and ₹30,000 to the government. The sentences are to be served concurrently.
Special Public Prosecutor YT Raghavendra represented the government, presenting a strong case against the accused. The court’s verdict brings closure to the victim and her family, who had been seeking justice for the heinous crimes committed against her. The judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to protecting the rights of victims of sexual assault and ensuring that perpetrators are held accountable for their actions.