46-year-old jailed for 10 years in child sexual assault case in Bapatla

Vijayawada: In a significant judgment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, the Ongole special POCSO court on Monday sentenced a 46-year-old man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹6,000 for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl in 2020.The verdict was delivered by Judge K Sailaja in connection with a case registered within the limits of Karamchedu police station in Bapatla district. The accused, Nallagorla Srinivasa Rao, a resident of Swarna village in Karamchedu mandal, was found guilty of luring the minor girl with promises of pulses and chocolates before committing the offence on Sep 29, 2020. The child was alone at home at the time, as her parents went out for work.Following a complaint lodged by the victim's parents, sub-inspector R Ahmed Jani registered a case under relevant sections of the IPC and the POCSO Act. The investigation was initially led by then Chirala Training DSP Sravathi Roy, who recorded statements from the victim, complainant, and witnesses, examined the crime scene, and ensured the collection of crucial physical evidence.During the trial, police officials closely monitored proceedings to ensure witnesses deposed without fear. Special public prosecutor Gottipati Srinivasa Rao effectively argued the case, establishing the charges beyond doubt.Bapatla district superintendent of police B Umamaheshwar, IPS, stated that the conviction was the result of a prompt investigation, timely filing of the charge sheet, and systematic court monitoring. He warned that strict action would be taken against those committing atrocities against women and children and emphasised that offenders cannot escape punishment under the law.