Khammam POCSO Court Sentences Three to Life Imprisonment in 2022 Assault Case

The First Fast Track POCSO Court in Khammam has sentenced three persons to life imprisonment in connection with a 2022 sexual assault case registered under the Chintakani police station limits.

Court judge Dr. Pullabhatla Pogada Krishna Arjun pronounced the judgment after holding the three accused guilty. The convicts have been identified as 19-year-old Palakurthi Srivardhan and 20-year-old Simmasarthi Nagaraju, both residents of Chintakani mandal, along with 20-year-old Palakurthi Veeranna alias Abhi, a resident of Tiruvuru mandal.

Alongside the life terms, the court imposed a fine of Rs 65,000 on Srivardhan. Co-accused Nagaraju and Veeranna were each fined Rs 60,000.

According to the prosecution, the offence occurred on November 18, 2022. Srivardhan, who resided opposite the victim's house, lured the minor girl to his residence with false promises and intimidated her. Srivardhan and his two associates then sexually assaulted the victim. Before letting her go, the accused threatened to kill the girl if she disclosed the incident to anyone.

The crime came to light after the victim's mother lodged a formal complaint with the local authorities. The Chintakani police subsequently registered a case and initiated an investigation under Indian Penal Code (IPC) Sections 376, 324, and 506 read with Section 34, as well as Section 5 read with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.

Police officers collected evidence, recorded witness statements, secured medical reports, and submitted a charge sheet before the court. After evaluating the oral testimonies, documentary evidence, and medical findings presented during the trial, the court ruled that the prosecution had proved the charges against all three individuals beyond reasonable doubt.

Following the verdict, Khammam Police Commissioner Sunil Dutt praised the police officers and court liaison personnel for their effective role in conducting the investigation and securing the conviction.