The Special POCSO Court in Anantapur has sentenced 27-year-old M. Raju to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor. The court also mandated a ₹5 lakh compensation for the victim.

Key Takeaways

  • Accused M. Raju sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment.
  • Court imposed a ₹5,000 fine and ordered ₹5 lakh compensation for the victim.
  • The crime involved the sexual assault of a minor stepdaughter.

In a landmark judgment, the Special POCSO Court in Anantapur has sentenced a 27-year-old man to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl in the Sri Sathya Sai district. The convict, identified as M. Raju, a resident of NGO Colony in Kadiri town, was found guilty of heinous crimes against a child.

Superintendent of Police S. Satish Kumar revealed that the accused had sexually assaulted his wife's minor daughter from her previous marriage. Following a formal complaint by the victim's mother, the Kadiri Town police initiated an investigation and subsequently filed a chargesheet in court.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that stringent sentencing in POCSO cases serves as a critical deterrent against child abuse. Such verdicts reinforce the legal framework's ability to protect the most vulnerable members of society and ensure that perpetrators face long-term consequences for their actions.

Strict enforcement of POCSO laws is vital to fostering a safer environment for children across the nation.

The court delivered the verdict on Friday, July 24, 2026, convicting the accused under Section 376 of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of ₹5,000 and directed the State government to provide ₹5 lakh in compensation to the survivor.

Historical Background

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2012. It was designed to provide a robust legal mechanism to address sexual abuse and exploitation of children, ensuring child-friendly legal processes and mandatory reporting.

Did You Know?: The POCSO Act is gender-neutral, meaning it protects all children regardless of their gender.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What specific laws was the accused found guilty under?
The accused was found guilty under Section 376 of the IPC and Sections 3 and 4 of the POCSO Act.

2. How will the victim be supported financially?
The court has ordered the State government to pay ₹5 lakh as compensation to the victim.