Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Feb 27: A youth who was accused of raping a 15-year-old girl who was deaf and dumb, and thus making her pregnant, has been found guilty of the offence. The accused Harish (33), has been sentenced to 15 years in jail. He also has been imposed with a fine of Rs 15,000. The district additional and sessions court that has been specially designated to handle cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, also passed an order to disburse nine lac rupees to the aggrieved girl as compensation from out of the relief fund.

This judgement was delivered by the judge of the court, Yadav Vanamala Anand Rao on Friday February 26.

The girl had given birth to a female baby. Out of 22 listed witnesses, 13 including the mother of the affected girl had adduced evidence. The DNA report also came in favour of the prosecution. Special public prosecutor of the court, Y T Raghavendra, argued for sanctioning exemplary compensation amount to the girl for securing her future and accordingly, the judge fixed the compensation payable by the government at nine lac rupees. This happens to be the first cse in the district where such a huge compensation has been granted.