The North and Middle Andaman Police secured a major breakthrough in their continued efforts to deliver justice in crimes against children, with a Special POCSO Court in Diglipur on December 9 sentencing an accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The verdict in Crime No. 01/2024 of Police Station Diglipur reflects the outcome of a focused investigation and steady follow-through by the officers handling the case, reinforcing the administration’s stance on ensuring a strong legal response in offences involving minors.
The judgment, delivered by the Special Judge (POCSO), came nearly a year after the case was registered. The court also imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the accused, adding financial liability to the prison term. The police stated that the verdict highlights the collective determination of agencies involved in handling sensitive offences and underscores the importance of structured investigation and timely legal processes in POCSO cases.
The incident came to light on January 3, 2025, when the victim lodged a complaint alleging she had been abused while returning from her friend’s house. Acting on the information, Police Station Diglipur registered a case under Sections 5(j)(ii) and 6 of the POCSO Act, read with Section 376 of the IPC. The immediate registration of the FIR enabled the investigation team to initiate action without delay, which officials described as crucial in cases involving child victims, where early evidence collection significantly strengthens prosecution proceedings.
Sub-Inspector Deepti Minj, who served as the Investigating Officer, along with Inspector K. Binoj, then Station House Officer of Diglipur Police Station, led the inquiry. The police reported that the team undertook a detailed investigation to ensure that the case was built on clear evidence and witness accounts. Officials stated that such thorough groundwork played an instrumental role in enabling the prosecution to secure a conviction in the Special Court.
The police noted that the sentencing sends a clear message on the consequences of crimes committed against children. With the Special Court imposing a 20-year sentence, authorities have described the outcome as consistent with the island’s zero-tolerance approach to offences under the POCSO Act. Officers engaged in the case highlighted that sustained efforts, from evidence gathering to timely submission of charges, contributed to strengthening the case before the court.
North and Middle Andaman Police reiterated their commitment to protecting vulnerable sections of society and emphasised the importance of public support in preventing and reporting crimes. Officials urged members of the community to come forward with credible information relating to any criminal activity, noting that informants’ identities would be protected and may also be rewarded. Police stated that public cooperation remains an essential element in ensuring that offenders are swiftly dealt with under the law.
The verdict adds to a series of cases in which the Andaman and Nicobar Police have stressed the importance of timely reporting, gender-sensitive investigation practices and close coordination with legal authorities. Officers indicated that the judgment reinforces the broader institutional message that crimes targeting children attract stringent legal treatment and that the administration intends to pursue such cases with firm resolve.
The police further noted that efforts to maintain a vigilant environment continue across the district, with patrols, community interactions and awareness initiatives forming part of a broader strategy to prevent offences. For the department, the conviction serves as a reaffirmation of the role played by systematic investigation in securing justice, particularly in cases where survivors rely heavily on institutional support.
Members of the public have been encouraged to report any suspicious activity or information related to criminal acts by approaching the nearest police station or calling helpline numbers 100, 112 or 03192-273344. The police emphasised that safeguarding children remains a shared responsibility and that timely reporting can help prevent further harm while ensuring offenders are held accountable.
