Sri Vijaya Puram, June 12: In a significant judgment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Special POCSO Court at Mayabunder has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor girl in Diglipur. The court also awarded an additional seven years of rigorous imprisonment for criminal intimidation, underscoring the gravity of the offences committed against the child.
The conviction stems from a case that came to light only after the victim’s deteriorating health led to a medical examination. During treatment, doctors reportedly discovered that the minor was pregnant, triggering mandatory reporting procedures and the registration of a case at Diglipur Police Station.
Investigators subsequently identified the accused as a neighbour known to the victim’s family. According to police officials, the child had remained silent about the abuse for an extended period due to fear, social pressure and concerns about stigma. The alleged threats issued by the accused further contributed to the delay in disclosure.
Following the complaint, police launched a detailed investigation that included medical and forensic examinations, recording of witness statements and compliance with child-sensitive procedures prescribed under law. Investigators gathered documentary, scientific and testimonial evidence before filing a chargesheet before the Special POCSO Court.
After examining the evidence and hearing the prosecution, the court found the accused guilty under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, which prescribes punishment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The court sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a monetary fine. He was also convicted under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation and sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment along with a separate fine.
The case is notable because the circumstances attracted the aggravated provisions of the POCSO Act. Under Section 6, aggravated penetrative sexual assault is among the most serious offences recognised under child protection law. The offence is considered aggravated when committed under specific circumstances, including situations resulting in pregnancy or involving factors that intensify the harm caused to the child. The provision carries a minimum punishment of 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment and can extend to imprisonment for the remainder of the convict’s natural life.
The conviction also highlights the role of criminal intimidation in child abuse cases. Section 506 of the IPC deals with threats intended to cause alarm or silence a victim. In serious cases involving grave threats, the offence carries a punishment of up to seven years’ imprisonment in addition to a fine.
Child protection experts have long warned that abuse often goes unreported when the accused is someone familiar to the victim. National crime data has consistently shown that an overwhelming majority of POCSO cases involve individuals known to the child, including neighbours, relatives, friends, teachers or other trusted persons. Such circumstances frequently make disclosure difficult, delaying intervention and prolonging trauma.
Police officials stated that special attention was paid to the survivor’s welfare throughout the investigation. Counselling and support services were arranged to aid recovery and rehabilitation. Authorities indicated that sustained psychological support helped the child gradually regain stability and continue with normal life.
The successful prosecution was attributed to coordinated efforts by the investigating team and the prosecution, which ensured that evidence was properly collected, preserved and presented before the court. The investigation was conducted by officers SI Deepti Minj and Inspector Vikash Singh, the Station House Officer of Diglipur Police Station.
North and Middle Andaman District Police described the verdict as an important step in ensuring accountability for crimes against children and reaffirmed their commitment to pursuing sexual offence cases with urgency and sensitivity. The judgment adds to a growing body of POCSO convictions across the country that reflect the judiciary’s emphasis on child protection and deterrence against sexual crimes involving minors.
