Kalyani: The Kalyani Court in Nadia has sentenced an individual to 10 years' imprisonment in a Pocso case, said public prosecutor Ria Sarkar.
On Feb 12, 2019, Haringhata Police under Ranaghat Police District received a complaint regarding sexual assault of a minor girl that afternoon. The police arrested a local resident, Chiranjit Dhara, that night and registered a case under the Pocso Act.
The court found the accused guilty and issued a verdict on Saturday, sentencing him to 10 years' imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 5,000.
Sarkar stated that a nine-year-old girl was playing near a school when Dhara sexually assaulted her with the promise of a doll. He took her to a secluded location away from the playground where the assault occurred.
"Dhara, pushed a handkerchief in her mouth to stop her shouting before sexually assaulting her. She had scratches on her cheeks and necks," Sarkar said.
The parents filed a complaint upon discovering the incident. The prosecution presented 12 pieces of evidence in Kalyani court, including her statement recorded under POCSO Act sections 161 and 164. All evidence corroborated the FIR.
The ADJ S. Sarkar declared Dhara guilty and pronounced the sentence on Saturday, including a fine of Rs 5,000 and compensation for the victim.
Considering the accused's 18-month detention during trial, this period will be subtracted from the 10-year sentence.
The parents expressed satisfaction with the verdict.
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