Karnataka court sentences man to 20 years for raping minor stepdaughter
The Additional District and Sessions (Special) FTSC-1 Court in Kalaburagi, Karnataka, has sentenced a 45-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor stepdaughter. The court also imposed a fine of ₹25,000 on the convict, identified as Harishchandra, a daily wage worker residing in Ambedkar Ashraya Colony, Kalaburagi.
According to the case presented by Special Public Prosecutor Shanthaveera B. Thuppad, the victim's mother often traveled for business and returned home late. Taking advantage of her absence, Harishchandra would approach the 13-year-old girl when she was alone, force himself upon her, and sexually assault her. Despite the victim's protests, the assaults occurred five to six times under intimidation.
The matter came to light on the night of June 14, 2025, when the victim's mother found Harishchandra and her daughter in a compromising position. Upon questioning, the minor girl disclosed the repeated assaults, adding that the convict had threatened to beat and kill both her and her mother if the incidents were disclosed.
The victim's mother filed a complaint at the Suburban Police Station. Police Inspector Santosh L. Tattepalli conducted a detailed investigation and filed a charge-sheet under Section 64(2)(m) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Sections 4, 6, and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. Police personnel including constables Prabhuraj, Brahmanand, and Head Constable Amruthrao ensured timely production of witnesses during the trial.
After hearing both sides and examining evidence, presiding judge S.L. Chavan found the accused guilty under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and relevant sections of BNS. The convict was sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹25,000, with an additional six months of simple imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
The judge also directed the Legal Services Authority to provide ₹5,00,000 as victim compensation to the minor girl, mandating that the amount be disbursed within one month from the date of the judgment.
