Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)
Mangaluru, Dec 10: Justice D Vinay of the additional district and sessions (POCSO) FTSC-1 court sentenced two individuals to 13 years and three years in prison, respectively, for assaulting a minor girl in an auto-rickshaw.
Abdul Kareem (39), a resident of Ilanthila taluk in Beltangady and a beedi worker, and Sadiq (34), an auto-rickshaw driver from Pacchadka in Mogru village, were convicted in the case.
According to reports, the victim was walking towards Nelolda Palke in Bandaru village when Kareem, an acquaintance, offered her a ride in his auto-rickshaw. Upon reaching Kuntala Palke, the incident occurred. The victim jumped from the moving auto-rickshaw to escape, sustaining injuries in the process. The accused and the auto-rickshaw driver fled the scene without stopping the vehicle. A case was registered at Dharmasthala police station.
The court sentenced Kareem to 13 years in prison and imposed a fine of Rs 15,000, while Sadiq received a three-year prison term and was fined Rs 5,000.
The case was initially handled by Special Public Prosecutor Jyoti Pramoda Nayak, and later continued by special public prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor, who questioned witnesses and presented arguments.