Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Jul 31: In a strong message against crimes targeting minors, the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) in Mangaluru on Tuesday sentenced a 30-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl.

The convict, identified as Mansoor alias Mohammad Mansoor alias Zabeer, a resident of Bastigudde Mane, Sajipanadu village in Bantwal taluk, was found guilty of raping the minor girl on May 30, 2023. The accused had also threatened the girl and filmed the assault, intensifying the gravity of the offence.

Based on the victim’s complaint, the Women’s Police Station, Mangaluru, registered a case (Crime No. 128/2023) under IPC Sections 363, 376(2)(n), 376(3), 506, along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act on December 23, 2023.

After remaining absconding for nearly eight months, Mansoor was finally arrested on July 2, 2024 and was remanded to judicial custody. The investigation, led initially by inspector Gururaj and later completed by inspector Rajendra B, ensured that a detailed charge sheet was submitted within the required time frame.

The case was heard by Manu K S, judge of the additional district and sessions court, FTSC-2 (POCSO), Mangaluru. Government prosecutor Badrinath and special public prosecutor Sahana Devi Boluru appeared on behalf of the state.

Delivering the verdict on July 30, the court sentenced the accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000 for rape, and 1-year imprisonment with a fine of Rs 5,000 for issuing threats to the victim.

The Mangaluru City Police Commissionerate has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring justice for victims of sexual crimes and thanked the investigation team and legal counsels for their swift and effective handling of the case.