Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Apr 14: A shocking incident that took place at Udupi district court, on the evening of April 12. Prashant (25), a rape accused, who was sentenced to 20 years of imprisonment after his crime was proven in the court, threw his shoes at the special public prosecutor of POCSO court in the presence of the judge.

How it happened?

This was a case under The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). As the judge, who had examined 15 witnesses in this case, was pronouncing the quantum of punishment, the accused Prashant, a resident of Keerthinagar, Aroor village of Brahmavar started abusing the special public prosecutor Vijaya Vasu Poojary, removed his shoes and hurled the same at the prosecutor. In addition, he also threatened Poojary and said 'I will not let you alive'.

Prashant 

Sentenced to 20 years and fine of Rs 25,000

T Venkatesh, judge of special POCSO court, had pronounced 20 years of imprisonment and Rs 25,000 in fine for the accused. Prashant, the convict, got angry saying that he has got this harsh punishment because of the argument placed in front of the court by the special public prosecutor. That is why in the presence of police, lawyers and judge he hurled abuses and threw the shoes at Vijaya Vasu Poojary.

'Attack on the judicial system'

"This is not attack on me. This is an attack on the judicial system of this country. This incident has to be taken seriously," requested the special public prosecutor with the judge. The judge has also considered this incident as of very grave nature and has directed the superintendent of police (SP), to take suitable action. Police officers have confiscated the shoes that were hurled at the special public prosecutor, after obtaining permission from the court and investigated further on April 13.

Vijaya Vasu Poojary said, "This is a shocking incident. Justice has prevailed. The girl victim has received justice. The convict has insulted me and also threw shoes inside the court itself. I have registered a police complaint in this regard. I am proud that I have carried out my duties properly and adequately. I will continue fighting honestly to get justice for the victims in future also,"

Prashant, the convicted in the rape case, is also accused in a case of murder under Brahmavar police station limits. In addition, he has several other cases also registered against him. Due to this background of the convict, the police department has also considered this incident seriously and has taken Prashant to Karwar prison.

Background of rape case

Prashant, the convict, enticed a 15-year-old girl of Koteshwar on February 17, 2017 and took her to his relative’s house in Padigar, Perdoor. He had sexually abused the minor girl on the morning of February 18, 2017. A case was registered in Kundapur police station under the POCSO act. The then circle inspector P M Divakar had submitted the chargesheet to the court after conducting inquiry.

Action by lawyers and police

Santosh Hebbar, secretary of lawyers' association of Udupi, said, "Lawyers' association will hold an emergency meeting once the special public prosecutor brings the incident to the notice of association in writing. Incident of this nature has never happened in Udupi court. As this is the first incident, discussion will be held as to how to take decision and proceed further,"

"The prosecutor has filed a complaint in Udupi city police station. Inquiry of the same is done. Investigation is in progress. Decision of providing security will be considered after thorough investigation," said Laxman Nimbargi, superintendent of police, Udupi.