Mangaluru : The additional district and sessions judge, fast-track sessions court-1, (Pocso), Savithri V Bhat, on Friday sentenced a pigmy collector to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) and a fine of Rs 1 lakh, in a case booked under the provisions of the Pocso Act.

Special public prosecutor Venkataramana Swamy told reporters that in addition, the convict identified as Shashi aka Shashikumar,28, will have to undergo seven years of RI and pay a fine of Rs 10,000 for crimes committed under IPC section 376 (rape). Out of the total amount collected, Rs 1 lakh will go to the survivor, and the court has also directed the District Legal Services Authority (DSLA) to provide the survivor compensation of Rs 2 lakh.

Providing details of the case reported at the Moodabidri police station limits,Venkataramana Swamy said the convict hailing from Mudigere was staying at his cousin’s place, and the survivor, then a class 8 student aged 14, was living in the neighbourhood, and used to visit the convict’s cousin’s house to watch television. When there was no one at home, he raped the survivor in November, 2017. He raped the survivor a couple of times, and threatened her not to reveal the crime to anyone.

One day, when the survivor complained about health issues, a medical examination was conducted, and she was found to be pregnant. Her family lodged a complaint on June 26, 2018. The court examined 13 witnesses and 25 documents, and the DNA report was the crucial evidence. Inspector Ramachandra Naik had filed the chargesheet.