A Special POCSO Court in Sri Vijaya Puram has sentenced a man to a total of 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old girl, concluding a case that relied heavily on swift reporting, detailed investigation and consistent witness examination. The judgment, delivered on 19 November 2025 by Special Judge Neyaz Alam, marks one of the region’s most stringent punishments awarded in a child protection case in recent years.
The case was registered after the minor survivor disclosed the assault to her parents, leading to immediate reporting at the Aberdeen Police Station. Based on the complaint, FIR No. 94/2023 dated 30 May 2023 was registered under multiple sections of the POCSO Act. The accused, identified as Sheikh Mehboob alias Gathi, a resident of South Point in Sri Vijaya Puram, was alleged to have assaulted the victim while she was asleep. According to the prosecution’s submissions, the accused lived in close proximity to the child’s residence, a circumstance that the court later observed had aggravated the breach of trust.
The investigation was carried out by SI N. Nandini under the supervision of the then Station House Officer Girish Kumar. The police collected statements, medical evidence and related materials before filing the chargesheet. During the trial, which was conducted by Special Public Prosecutor A.S. Zinu on behalf of the State, witnesses were examined and cross-examined, forming the evidentiary base on which the court relied to reach its conclusion. After assessing the testimonies and documentary evidence, the Special Judge held the accused guilty of the offences charged.
The court imposed multiple sentences under various sections of the POCSO Act and the Indian Penal Code, each accompanied by fines and default imprisonment clauses. Under Section 7/8 of the POCSO Act, the convict was awarded five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000, with an additional two months of imprisonment if the fine is not paid. Another five-year sentence was imposed under Section 9(m)/10, along with a fine of Rs 5,000 and one month’s default imprisonment. Sections 11(i)(iv)/12 of the Act also drew a five-year sentence and a fine of Rs 5,000, with a similar default clause.
In addition to the POCSO provisions, the court convicted the accused under Section 451 of the Indian Penal Code for house trespass, imposing another five-year rigorous imprisonment term and a fine of Rs 5,000. Collectively, the sentences add up to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
While pronouncing the sentence, the court observed that the accused had gravely misused the trust placed in him as a neighbour and caused lasting physical and emotional trauma to the child. The judgment noted that the seriousness of the offence required a punishment that reflected the impact of the crime as well as its social implications. The court also ordered a compensation of Rs 2,00,000 to be provided to the survivor to support her rehabilitation, welfare and long-term recovery needs.
The case highlights the importance of swift reporting, coordinated investigation and courtroom diligence in securing convictions in child sexual assault cases. District authorities and court officials have emphasised that strict sentencing under the POCSO Act reinforces the legal system’s stance that crimes against minors will be met with uncompromising action. The judgment is seen as a reminder of the role of law enforcement, forensic documentation and prosecutorial preparedness in securing outcomes that uphold the rights and dignity of child survivors.
As the region continues its efforts to strengthen child protection mechanisms, the court’s decision is expected to serve both as a deterrent and a reaffirmation of the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring justice for vulnerable victims.
