Assam's Kokrajhar court awards 20-year jail term to POCSO convict

A court in Assam's Kokrajhar district has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly raping a minor girl after allegedly luring her with promises of love.

The verdict was pronounced by the Kokrajhar Sessions Judge's Court against Sanuwar Hussain, a resident of Tintila village in the district.

According to case records, a case was registered against the accused at Kokrajhar Sadar Police Station in 2022 under Case No. 473/22. 

Following the trial, the court found Hussain guilty under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code read with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The prosecution stated that the accused repeatedly sexually assaulted the minor victim after enticing her into a relationship. The abuse allegedly resulted in the victim becoming pregnant.

Apart from the 20-year rigorous imprisonment, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict. In the event of non-payment of the fine, Hussain will have to undergo an additional six months of imprisonment.

The judgment is being viewed as a significant conviction under the POCSO Act, aimed at ensuring justice for child victims of sexual assault.