Daijiworld Media Network - Mangaluru (SP)

Mangaluru, Sep 27: Relating to an incident in which a minor girl was abducted and raped, the second additional district and sessions court here, through a judgement delivered on Wednesday September 26, awarded seven years imprisonment to the accused and imposed fine of Rs 12,500.

Sangamesh Koppad (27), native of Basunada village in Hulagunda taluk, Bangalkot district, who was residing in a rented house at Suratkal, was held guilty of the above offence. He was given seven years of rigorous imprisonment and Rs 5,000 fine for rape, seven years rigorous imprisonment and Rs 5,000 fine for raping of the minor under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and five years’ imprisonment and Rs 2,500 for abducting the minor. Out of the fine amount, the court has ordered Rs 10,000 to be handed over to the victim. The judge also mentioned that she is eligible for more compensation from the government.

The accused was working as coolie in Suratkal area. He fell in love with a minor girl living near his rented house. By promising to marry her, he had taken the girl on March 12, 2014 to Saudatti, Belagavi district and tied 'Mangalya' signifying marriage at Yallamma shrine there. He had raped her in a lodge there. The mother of the girl had complained to Suratkal police station. During intense questioning Sangamesh had confessed to his crime.

The then police inspector of Suratkal had registered case of rape and abduction and filed charge sheet in the court. Judge of the second additional district court, R Pallavi, who conducted trial in the case, found that the charges have been proved. Special prosecutor of the government, Venkataramana, had presented the case.