Latest news with #ChildrenfromSexualOffences
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Ex-lifeguard sentenced to jail ‘till last day of life' for raping 3-year-old student in Greater Noida school
Noida: A special Pocso court on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a former swimming pool lifeguard at a wellknown school chain's Greater Noida campus to life imprisonment "till the last day of his natural life" for sexually assaulting a three-year-old student in 2018. The court, which pronounced a double life term under IPC and the protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, also held the school's management financially liable for failing to protect the child and ordered the two investigating officers of the case to stand trial for "abetting the assault". Judge Vijay Kumar Himanshu of the additional district and sessions court cum special Pocso court convicted the former lifeguard, Chandidas, under Section 376AB of IPC and Section 5(m) of Pocso (aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a child under 12). Chandidas, who is currently out on bail, was also handed another seven-year term under Pocso Act Section 9(f), read with Section 10, for abusing his position as a school employee. You Can Also Check: Noida AQI | Weather in Noida | Bank Holidays in Noida | Public Holidays in Noida | Gold Rates Today in Noida | Silver Rates Today in Noida The court imposed a fine of Rs 24,000 on the convict and ordered the school's managing society to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the girl for rehabilitation within one month, as directed by National Legal Services Authority. The child, then a nursery student, was raped by the lifeguard during swimming class at the school's splash pool on July 12, 2018. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 20 Pieces of Clothing you should Ditch over 40 Learn More Undo She had told her class teacher about the incident. On returning home, she complained of stomach pain and discomfort. She later told her mother that the "swimming pool uncle" had touched her private parts. A medical examination at Delhi's Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital confirmed penetrative sexual assault. An FIR was lodged the next day at Surajpur police station. Chandidas was arrested from the school principal's chamber. Special public prosecutor (Pocso) Chhavanpal Singh said the prosecution presented 12 witnesses and 14 documentary and electronic exhibits and sought the harshest sentence not just for Chandidas but also for the school, which "failed to act as a custodian of its students". The defence argued that the child's family had a grudge against the school and had "tutored" her into making allegations that were unsupported by medical evidence. The court, however, found the child's statements to police, a magistrate and in court consistent and credible, and corroborated by medical findings from GTB Hospital. The testimony of her parents further supported her account. The court described the school management as a "joint tortfeasor" (legal term for an entity committing a tort or a wrongful act), noting that its inaction and suppression attempts directly contributed to the child's trauma. It cited its powers under Section 33(8) read with Section 9 of the Pocso Act to impose the Rs 10 lakh penalty on the school. "Their attempt to suppress and influence the machinery is clearly apparent and palpable, which cannot be done without the active connivance of the school management society. Hence, the court feels that the school management shall be made vicariously liable for the lapses in terms of awarding compensation for the mental trauma suffered by the victim and her family," the judge noted. The court found the roles of the two IOs, Sita Singh and Rashmi Chaudhary, dubious in the investigation. The IOs had filed a closure report against the principal and class teacher despite evidence available on record. "This court finds there is sufficient evidence available on record to show that to shield the co-accused, the principal and class teacher, both the IOs conducted defective and motivated investigation. Therefore, through deliberate and intentional omission in discharge of duty, they have abetted the offence of sexual assault amounting to rape against the child," the court said in its ruling, declaring the two IOs co-accused under Section 17 of the Pocso Act. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area.
Time of India
3 days ago
- Time of India
Ex-lifeguard sentenced to jail 'till last day of life' for raping 3-yr-old student in school
Noida: A special Pocso court on Tuesday convicted and sentenced a former swimming pool lifeguard at a wellknown school chain's Greater Noida campus to life imprisonment "till the last day of his natural life" for sexually assaulting a three-year-old student in 2018. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The court, which pronounced a double life term under IPC and the protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, also held the school's management financially liable for failing to protect the child and ordered the two investigating officers of the case to stand trial for "abetting the assault". Judge Vijay Kumar Himanshu of the additional district and sessions court cum special Pocso court convicted the former lifeguard, Chandidas, under Section 376AB of IPC and Section 5(m) of Pocso (aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a child under 12). Chandidas, who is currently out on bail, was also handed another seven-year term under Pocso Act Section 9(f), read with Section 10, for abusing his position as a school employee. The court imposed a fine of Rs 24,000 on the convict and ordered the school's managing society to pay Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the girl for rehabilitation within one month, as directed by National Legal Services Authority. The child, then a nursery student, was raped by the lifeguard during swimming class at the school's splash pool on July 12, 2018. She had told her class teacher about the incident. On returning home, she complained of stomach pain and discomfort. She later told her mother that the "swimming pool uncle" had touched her private parts. A medical examination at Delhi's Guru Teg Bahadur Hospital confirmed penetrative sexual assault. An FIR was lodged the next day at Surajpur police station. Chandidas was arrested from the school principal's chamber. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Special public prosecutor (Pocso) Chhavanpal Singh said the prosecution presented 12 witnesses and 14 documentary and electronic exhibits and sought the harshest sentence not just for Chandidas but also for the school, which "failed to act as a custodian of its students". The defence argued that the child's family had a grudge against the school and had "tutored" her into making allegations that were unsupported by medical evidence. The court, however, found the child's statements to police, a magistrate and in court consistent and credible, and corroborated by medical findings from GTB Hospital. The testimony of her parents further supported her account. The court described the school management as a "joint tortfeasor" (legal term for an entity committing a tort or a wrongful act), noting that its inaction and suppression attempts directly contributed to the child's trauma. It cited its powers under Section 33(8) read with Section 9 of the Pocso Act to impose the Rs 10 lakh penalty on the school. "Their attempt to suppress and influence the machinery is clearly apparent and palpable, which cannot be done without the active connivance of the school management society. Hence, the court feels that the school management shall be made vicariously liable for the lapses in terms of awarding compensation for the mental trauma suffered by the victim and her family," the judge noted. The court found the roles of the two IOs, Sita Singh and Rashmi Chaudhary, dubious in the investigation. The IOs had filed a closure report against the principal and class teacher despite evidence available on record. "This court finds there is sufficient evidence available on record to show that to shield the co-accused, the principal and class teacher, both the IOs conducted defective and motivated investigation. Therefore, through deliberate and intentional omission in discharge of duty, they have abetted the offence of sexual assault amounting to rape against the child," the court said in its ruling, declaring the two IOs co-accused under Section 17 of the Pocso Act.
The Hindu
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant inaugurates State-level consultation meeting on child protection
Supreme Court Justice Surya Kant on Saturday (July 5) inaugurated the State-level stakeholders consultation meeting on child protection in Hyderabad. Titled 'Voice for the voiceless: rights and protection of children of sexual abuse', the event was held at Dasarathi Auditorium in MCHRD Institute and marked a significant moment in the State's efforts to strengthen its child protection framework. In his inaugural address, Justice Surya Kant, who also serves as Executive Chairman of National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), called child safety a national and moral obligation, not just a legal one. 'Every instance of neglect or systemic failure is not merely a criminal lapse, but a profound betrayal of childhood,' he said. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, in his special address, reaffirmed his government's commitment to protecting children and women. 'Justice is not only about conviction but also about healing and dignity,' he stated, while highlighting the growing threats of child pornography and online exploitation. He emphasised the importance of cross-sector collaboration to ensure holistic rehabilitation and justice delivery. The consultation, jointly organised by the Women Safety Wing of Telangana police, the Department of Women Development and Child Welfare, the Telangana State Legal Services Authority and UNICEF, brought together key stakeholders from across the legal, police, healthcare and civil society sectors. Telangana Director General of Police Jitender outlined the evolution of Telangana's Bharosa Centres, which began in 2016 and have now expanded to 29 across the State. These one-stop centres, he said, provide comprehensive support to child survivors of sexual violence. 'This is not a celebration, but a renewed commitment to strengthen the child protection ecosystem,' he said. Justice Sujoy Paul, Acting Chief Justice of the Telangana High Court and Patron-in-Chief of the Telangana State Legal Services Authority (TSLSA), expressed concern over the rising number of cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, pointing out that 98% of such crimes are committed by known persons, family members, neighbours or relatives. 'Even small errors, like incorrect age documentation, can derail the pursuit of justice. Every actor, police, judiciary, medical officers, must act with precision and empathy,' he stressed. UNICEF India Representative Cynthia McCaffrey said India's children are not voiceless, but are often silenced by the very systems meant to protect them. The speakers unanimously stressed that safeguarding children is a responsibility shared by institutions and citizens alike. The meet also called for expanding child-friendly courts, standardising medico-legal care and counselling, strengthening coordination among police, judiciary, CWCs and medical services, and developing measurable indicators for rehabilitation. The two-day consultation will continue on Sunday (July 6) with technical sessions involving senior judges, police officials, prosecutors, psychologists, medical professionals and civil society leaders, aimed at shaping stronger child protection policies for both the State and the nation.
Indian Express
07-06-2025
- Indian Express
POCSO court in Gujarat's Mehsana awards life imprisonment to father for raping minor daughter
A Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Mehsana district on Friday sentenced a 51-year-old man to rigorous imprisonment for life for repeatedly raping and impregnating his 17-year-old daughter by threatening to kill her and the rest of the family. Awarding the punishment to the accused in the case, the court held that the POCSO Act legislature could 'also not have a reason to think that any father can be an accused' under the Act. Stating that the crime is 'unique and serious', the court said, '…this is a very unfortunate moment that this court had to try this case where an accused under POCSO Act is the father of the victim girl… This court has no words to describe its anguish against the heinous act of this accused… During the whole period of trial the body language of the accused was also observed by this court… no sign of sorrow or (repentance) was there… This court is speechless and really shocked to come across such a case.' The prosecution's case was that in April 2024, the brother of the victim approached the Mehsana district police to lodge an FIR as the victim, who had been taken to a hospital after she complained of stomach pain, was found to be pregnant. The complainant informed the police that the victim had confided in him that her father had raped her and threatened to kill her and the rest of the family members if she complained about the incident. Accordingly, the accused was booked under Indian Penal Code sections for rape, criminal intimidation and under relevant sections of the POCSO Act. 'During deposition of the victim … she repeatedly said that she couldn't believe that her own father had raped her… Accused had threatened the victim. This court is really worried for the future of this victim girl.' The court also awarded a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the victim under the Gujarat Victim Compensation Fund.
The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Minister promises action in Praveshanolsavam incident at school
A report submitted by the Deputy Director of Education (DDE), Thiruvananthapuram, on the participation of a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) case accused in a school reopening event early this week has placed full responsibility for the incident on the school headmaster. Director of General Education Shanavas S. has received the report on the incident that occurred at Fort High School, West Fort, from DDE Sreeja Gopinath. In the wake of an adverse report against the school, Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty said on Wednesday that appropriate action would be taken in the matter. The Minister said the school headmaster had met him and explained that an organisation that distributed school supplies to students had included POCSO case accused Mukesh M. Nair, a vlogger, in the function. However, the participation of Mukesh was a lapse on the part of the school authorities. The headmaster and the teachers could not claim they did not know the accused. No random person could be included in such events just because they were associated with a non-profit, the Minister said. 'It was wrong to involve a POCSO case accused in the school Praveshanolsavam. Such persons should not be asked to participate in any public event in a school,' Mr. Sivankutty said. The Minister had directed the Thiruvananthapuram Deputy Director of Education to conduct an urgent inquiry into the incident and submit a report.
