A Special Court in Sri Vijaya Puram has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting his minor relative, underscoring the judiciary’s strict approach to crimes against children.
The case involved Sanjib Mondal, a resident of Nayagaon, who was convicted for committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl during his stay at her home. The assault led to the victim’s pregnancy, which came to light when she visited a hospital for a medical check-up. Upon discovery, the matter was immediately reported to the Aberdeen Police Station, which registered a case under FIR No. 156 of 2023 on June 14, 2023.
Investigations were led by Sub-Inspector P. Jeevan under the supervision of then Station House Officer Girish Kumar. The seriousness of the crime and the breach of trust committed by the accused prompted a detailed investigation. Authorities collected evidence and recorded witness statements to build a strong prosecution case.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 15 witnesses. A DNA report confirmed the accused’s involvement, providing critical scientific proof that further established the charges. After hearing the arguments and examining the evidence, the court found Mondal guilty under relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
On September 23, 2025, Special Judge Neyaz Alam delivered the judgment, sentencing the accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 5/6 of the POCSO Act. Additionally, Mondal was directed to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000, with a further three months of rigorous imprisonment to be served in case of default.
The court also found him guilty under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code for criminal intimidation. For this offence, Mondal was sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs. 5,000, with an additional six months of imprisonment stipulated for non-payment.
The judgment reflected the gravity of the crime, with the court noting that the accused had violated both the law and the trust inherent in his role as a family member. The judge observed that the assault left the victim physically and emotionally scarred, highlighting the long-lasting impact such crimes have on survivors.
In addition to the prison terms and fines, the court directed compensation of Rs. 3,00,000 to be provided to the survivor for her rehabilitation, welfare, and future support. The compensation was seen as a necessary measure to aid recovery and provide the victim with means to rebuild her life.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the State by Special Public Prosecutor A.S. Zinu, whose efforts were acknowledged in ensuring a successful conviction.
Legal observers note that the case adds to a growing list of strong judicial responses to offences against minors. The POCSO Act, introduced to safeguard children from sexual offences, provides for stringent punishment, and this ruling reflects the judiciary’s intent to enforce its provisions firmly.
The judgment also carries a message of deterrence. By imposing a long prison term on the convict, the court sought to make it clear that crimes against children will not be tolerated and that severe punishment will follow. Officials stressed that such decisions not only deliver justice to victims but also act as a warning to society at large.
For the local community, the ruling serves as both reassurance and a call to vigilance. Authorities urged residents to report any suspected crimes promptly so that swift action can be taken. The police continue to emphasize their commitment to protecting vulnerable sections of society and ensuring that offenders are brought to justice without delay.
With this verdict, the Special Court reaffirmed the principle that crimes involving sexual violence against minors demand uncompromising legal action, ensuring both accountability for offenders and support for survivors.
