Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (MS)

Udupi, Oct 27: An accused youth of Shivamogga origin was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) in a case pertaining to the sexual harassment of a minor girl.

According to details, the 27-year-old youth of Shivamogga origin had participated in a marriage function which was held in April 2023 at Brahmavar. After the marriage function was over, he had stayed in the girl's (victim) house for some days. He had sexually harassed the girl then and threatened her not to divulge the matter to anyone.

After some days, the girl encountered some health complication and was taken to hospital where it came to light that she was pregnant. On inquiry, the matter came to light. A case in the women's police station was registered as per the complaint filed by the victim.

Inspector Jayanand K of the women's police station of Udupi submitted charge sheet to the court. Out of the 36 witnesses, 20 witnesses had deposed in the court.

Justice Srinivasa Suvarna of the district court, who conducted the inquiry pronounced the accused as guilty and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 21,000. Out of the fine amount, the court ordered Rs 15.000 to be paid to the victim girl and Rs 6,000 to the government. The judge also directed the government to pay Rs 2 lac to the victim girl.

Special public prosecutor Y T Raghavendra in favour of the prosecution. The charge sheet was filed in December 2023 and the verdict was pronounced within 10 months.