Conviction-based probe securing life imprisonment in POCSO cases: SP

VIJAYAWADA: Bapatla district SP Vakul Jindal underlined that their focus on conviction-based investigation is leading to POCSO courts warding life imprisonment to criminals in rape cases.

Jindal’s statement came after Ongole POCSO Court Judge M.A. Somasekar sentenced an accused in raping of an eight-year-old to life imprisonment under sections 376 (A)(B), 324, 506 IPC, section 6 r/w 5 (m) of POCSO Act.

The SP pointed out that the girl, a student of Class 3, lived with her parents in Makkena Varipalem in Vetapalem. Accused Mankena Jayarao called the minor girl to his house on January 4, 2022, raped the victim and threatened to kill her by beating her with a stick if she informed anyone.

The victim, however, informed her aunt Andra Kiranmayi, who immediately took her to the Chirala Government Hospital, followed by Ongole RIMS Hospital for better treatment. She then complained to Vetapalem police whose sub-inspector G. Suresh registered the case on January 9, 2022.

Jindal said Chirala DSP P. Srikanth started the investigation, interrogated the accused, and recorded the statements of the complainant and other witnesses. Police ensured collection of physical evidence from the crime scene, semen on the accused and victim's clothes and the report of the hospital. Public prosecutor K.V. Rameswara Reddy argued the case in court and proved the crime committed by accused.

The SP said they have undertaken conviction-based investigations in total 80 cases. This is the 31st case in which a speedy investigation has been taken up and trial and conviction achieved within one year.
Jindal appreciated police officers, court monitoring staff and the public prosecutor for pursuing the case with the aim of ensuring conviction.