Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur (SP)

Puttur, Nov 9: The fifth additional district and sessions court here which delivered a judgement in a six years old case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO), sentenced the accused to ten years jail term.

Sathish from Jalsoor village is the man who was found guilty and sentenced. On December 20, 2015, he reportedly lured a six-year-old girl playing in his courtyard to come in by promising to give her ice cream and toffee. He then committed sexual atrocity on the girl. On the basis of a complaint made by the girl's mother, Sullia police had registered the case and filed a charge sheet in the court.

Judge of the fifth additional district and sessions court here, Rudolph Pereira, who took up hearing in the case, examined 16 witnesses and found that the man had tried to rape the girl. After hearing arguments from both the sides, he awarded ten years rigorous imprisonment to the accused and also levied fine of Rs 25,000. If he fails to pay the fine, he will have to remain incarcerated for one more year.

The court has ordered to disburse Rs 20,000 out of the fine amount to the girl by way of compensation. It also asked Dakshina Kannada district Legal Services Authority to pay one lac rupees to the aggrieved girl by way of compensation.

Special public prosecutor in the case, Kudriya Pushparaj Adyantaya, had argued the case on behalf of the prosecution.