Hyderabad: 81-Year-Old Convicted and Sentenced to 21 Years in POCSO Case
A Hyderabad fast-track court has sentenced an 81-year-old retired official, Voosa Venkata Narayana, to 21 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. The verdict includes a fine and mandatory victim compensation under the POCSO Act.
In a significant legal development regarding POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) cases, an 81-year-old man has been sentenced to 21 years of imprisonment. The ruling, delivered by a fast-track court in Hyderabad, brings a sense of closure to a distressing case involving the sexual assault of a minor girl. This sentencing underscores the judiciary's strict approach toward crimes committed against children, reinforcing the implementation of the POCSO Act.
Judicial Verdict and Sentencing Details
The judgment was passed by Judge M.K. Padmavathi of the specialized fast-track court, which is dedicated to the trial and disposal of rape and POCSO-related offenses, situated in LB Nagar, Rangareddy district. The convict, identified as Voosa Venkata Narayana, a retired superintendent from the HMWSS&B (Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board), was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor girl.
Beyond the lengthy prison term of 21 years, the court imposed a fine of ₹30,000 upon Voosa Venkata Narayana. Furthermore, the court mandated that the convict provide compensation amounting to ₹4 lakh to the survivor, acknowledging the severe trauma inflicted upon her. This decision highlights the court's commitment to ensuring justice for victims of heinous crimes through both punitive measures and financial restitution.
Background of the Investigation
According to reports from the local police, the incident occurred in a residential colony where the accused lived near the victim’s family. The 12-year-old girl, while playing with other neighborhood children, was lured into the convict's residence under the guise of receiving biscuits and chocolates. Over time, the accused gained the young girl's trust to commit these acts.
The victim’s father, who had grown suspicious of Voosa Venkata Narayana's conduct, eventually caught him in the act of assaulting his daughter. Upon discovery, the family learned that the minor had been subjected to multiple instances of sexual assault. Following these revelations, the victim's parents approached the Chaitanyapuri police station to lodge a formal complaint in March 2023. The police registered a case and initiated a comprehensive investigation, which ultimately led to this conviction in the POCSO court.
,curated_key_highlights:[
