Crime Kachiguda/koti Top News

Auto-Rickshaw driver sentenced to 20 years for minor’s sexual assault in Hyderabad

Punishment for rape

In a landmark ruling, a Special Sessions Judge at HACA Bhavan in Nampally, Hyderabad, has sentenced a 24-year-old auto-rickshaw driver, J. Akileshwar, for the crime of minor sexual assault. Judge P. Pushpalatha delivered a verdict of 20 years’ imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 5,000 on Akileshwar. Furthermore, the court ordered him to provide Rs. 4,00,000 in compensation to the victim and an additional six months in jail if he failed to pay the fine.

The 17-year-old girl, the daughter of a domestic worker, was frequently molested by the accused, Akhileshwar, who lived in the same neighbourhood whenever he found her alone at home. The victim reportedly told him of her pregnancy, but he denied any responsibility and fled. The mother found her pregnancy only after a doctor’s examination and informed the police. Inspector Bharosa then took a statement under Section 161 of the Penal Code at Gandhi Hospital and gathered vital medical evidence.

Upon receipt of the complaint, Narsaiah, DSP Intelligence, and Sudhakar, ACP of Kachiguda Police Station, swiftly registered a criminal complaint (Crime No. 83/2018) under Sections 376 IPC, 5(J)(ii) & (1) of the POCSO Act 2012, and initiated a thorough investigation and filed a comprehensive charge sheet.

The Bharosa Centre proved to be a support for the victim and her family, providing counseling, medical assistance, legal aid, financial assistance, and help in preparing compensation documents. In addition, Bharosa staff conducted home visits to ensure the family felt supported throughout the ordeal.

Throughout the judicial process, including the 164 CrPC statements, court briefings, trials, and mock court sessions, administrators, counselors, and support staff worked tirelessly to ensure the victim felt empowered and reassured.

The dedication and perseverance of investigating officer Narsaiah, DSP Intelligence, Sudhakar, ACP Kachiguda Police Station, public prosecutor Prathap Reddy, Legal Support Officer Kalpana from Bharosa, and other team members, alongside court duty officers N. Srinivas, PC 8248 of Amberpet police station, B. Gopi, PC 9702 of Osmania University police station, and Process Duty Officer K. Suraj Singh, PC 6475 of Kachiguda police station, played a pivotal role in securing a conviction, as pronounced by the Special Sessions Judge for POCSO, P. Pushpa Latha, at HACA Bhavan, Nampally, Hyderabad.

The collaborative efforts of law enforcement officers and Bharosa Centre personnel were closely overseen by D Kavitha, DCP, Women’s Safety, Prasanna Lakshmi, ACP, Women’s Safety, Hyderabad, T. Jyothsna, Inspector Bharosa, and Mary Augustine, Centre Administrator.

Hyderabad’s Commissioner of Police, K. Sreenivasa Reddy, commended all stakeholders for their dedication and coordination, underscoring the commitment to justice and safeguarding victims’ rights.