Mysore/Mysuru: The city’s POCSO Court has sentenced a man to 25 years rigorous imprisonment and has imposed a fine of Rs. 1 lakh for sexually assaulting his minor sister-in-law resulting in her getting pregnant.

The convict is a resident of a village in the taluk and a cook by profession. He used to stay in his father-in-law’s house and was friendly with his minor sister-in-law.

In March 2022, when there was nobody at home, the man, who threatened his minor sister-in-law, allegedly assaulted her sexually and threatened of murdering her if she disclosed it to anyone. The man continued to sexually assault her many times resulting in her getting pregnant.  

The girl’s mother, who came to know about it, lodged a complaint with Varuna Police. Inspector Swarna, who registered a case, conducted an investigation, registered a case under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and submitted a charge-sheet against the accused to the Court.

Special POCSO Court Judge Shayma Khamroz, who took up the case, heard the arguments from both sides, found the accused guilty and convicted him on Dec. 12, 2023, under POCSO Act. The Judge sentenced the accused to 25 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 1 lakh. An addition six months simple imprisonment was also awarded besides imposing a fine of Rs. 1,000 for threatening the girl.

The Judge ordered Rs. 75,000 from the fine of Rs. 1 lakh be given to the victim and announced that the girl was eligible for Rs. 5 lakh compensation.

Special Public Prosecutor K.B. Jayanthi argued on behalf of the Government.