Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Sep 19: In a landmark ruling delivering swift justice in a high-profile child abuse case, the Hon’ble Additional District and Sessions Court FTSC-2 in Mangaluru has sentenced the prime accused, Abdul Latheef, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment alongside a fine of Rs 80,000.

Honourable judge Manu K S pronounced the rigorous sentence on Saturday, September 19 after the prosecution successfully established guilt beyond a shadow of a doubt.

Public Prosecutor Sahanadevi Boloor spearheaded a robust and airtight presentation of the state's case, ensuring the conviction stood firm against the defence.

The rigorous legal battle stemmed from a case registered at the Bantwal Town police station (Crime No: 141/2025).

Investigators slapped stringent charges under sections 4, 6, 8, 12, 19(1)(b), and 21 of the POCSO Act-2012, alongside sections 64(2)(f), 75 r/w 3(5) of the BNS-2023.

Investigating Officer and Bantwal Town police inspector Ananthapadmanabha built the watertight case through meticulous fieldwork, systematically gathering vital forensic and material evidence before filing a comprehensive charge sheet before the court against the prime accused — Abdul Latheef, a resident of Guruvayanakere in Belthangady — alongside two co-accused individuals.