Accused in Pocso Case Sentenced to 20 Years Rigorous Imprisonment

Visakhapatnam: In a resounding verdict that upholds the sanctity of childhood, a special Pocso court in Visakhapatnam has sentenced Polipalli Durga Rao, 22, of Polipalli village in Bhogapuram mandal, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 4-year-old girl in 2020.

According to district SP M. Deepika, the verdict was pronounced on November 22, accompanied by a fine of  Rs. 2,500. The case against Durga Rao was registered at Disha Mahila Police Station in Vizianagaram district following a complaint filed by the victim's mother on October 25, 2020. The mother alleged that Durga Rao had lured the 4-year-old girl, who lived next door to his house, to his home under the pretense of playing and then committed the crime.

Acting swiftly upon the complaint, Disha Mahila PS DSP T. Trinadh initiated a thorough investigation, leading to the arrest of Durga Rao. A chargesheet was filed against him under the Pocso Act, and the prosecution diligently pursued the case.

In light of the overwhelming evidence presented against Durga Rao, the Special Judge for the POCSO Court, K. Nagamani, found him guilty of raping a minor girl and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 376(ab) of the IPC.