The Belagavi Additional District and Sessions Court (POCSO Court-1) has delivered a landmark verdict in a case involving a minor, sentencing one accused to life imprisonment and two others to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment, and directing payment of Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the victim.
The incident occurred on May 10, 2025, when the accused kidnapped the minor girl from Belagavi and took her to a farmhouse in Savgaon, where she was assaulted. The accused also robbed her of a gold chain weighing around ten grams.
The victim’s mother initially lodged a complaint at Tilakwadi Police Station, which was later transferred to Market Police Station. After examining 17 witnesses, 124 documents, and five material objects, the court held the accused guilty.
The primary accused were sentenced to life imprisonment and fined Rs 8.76 lakh each. Two others were awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 6 lakh each.
Considering the gravity of the offence and the trauma suffered by the victim, the court directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide Rs 10 lakh as compensation.
The investigation was carried out by local police officials, and a Special Public Prosecutor represented the government and successfully argued the case, resulting in the conviction.
