⚖️ Five-Year Jail Term Under POCSO
A sessions court sentenced a 77-year-old housing society watchman to five years of rigorous imprisonment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for sexually assaulting an eight-year-old girl. The court awarded the minimum punishment prescribed under the law.
📍 Incident Inside Gated Society
The offence took place within a residential complex on Katraj-Kondhwa Road. The child was waiting for her school van when the accused allegedly approached her, raising concerns about safety even within secured housing societies.
❗ Misuse of Position of Trust
According to the prosecution, the watchman called the girl near him and inappropriately touched her. The court observed that he misused his position of trust as a society security guard.
👨👩👧 Child Informed Parents
After the incident, the girl narrated the matter to her parents. The family promptly approached the police and registered a formal complaint.
👮 Swift Police Action
Police arrested the accused soon after the complaint was filed and booked him under relevant IPC and POCSO sections. A chargesheet was later submitted in court.
🏛️ Court Relied on Victim’s Testimony
During the trial, the court found the minor’s statement clear and credible, rejecting the defence’s claims of false implication.
💰 Fine and Compensation Ordered
Along with the jail term, the court imposed a ₹10,000 fine, directing ₹7,000 as compensation to the victim. The judgment reinforced that age cannot be a shield in crimes against children.
🚨 Shocking Breach of Trust: 77-Year-Old Watchman Jailed for 5 Years for Assaulting 8-Year-Old in Pune