A special POCSO court in Thane has sentenced a 56-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly assaulting his 8-year-old niece in 2020. The court passed the judgment on January 6, emphasizing the severity of the crime and the lasting impact on the victim.
Judge VL Bhosale, in her ruling, stated that the offense warranted a sentence exceeding the minimum prescribed, given the serious nature of the crime. The accused was found guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and a fine of Rs.1,000 was imposed.
Special Public Prosecutor Varsha Chandane explained that the abuse occurred between March and June 2020 when the victim was sent to stay with her aunt in Mira Road. During this time, the accused exploited the child on multiple occasions. The victim’s mother, who was in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, could not return due to the COVID-19 lockdown. Eventually, the victim confided in another relative, leading to her mother filing a police complaint upon learning of the incident.
The court also acknowledged the emotional trauma experienced by the victim and directed that the case be referred to the District Legal Services Authority for compensation.
This case serves as a reminder of the critical need for continued efforts to safeguard children and ensure justice in cases of exploitation.
