Mangalore: Father Convicted of Sexually Abusing Three-Year-Old Daughter

Mangalore: In a verdict delivered by the Additional District and Sessions Court (FTScII), a 34-year-old man has been found guilty of sexually abusing his three-and-a-half-year-old daughter. The accused, originally from Bailur in Ranebennur and currently residing in Bajpe, was convicted under Section 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The sentence, however, has been reserved until August 28.

The case stems from an incident that occurred on December 18, 2024. According to the prosecution, the child’s mother departed for work at approximately 6:00 a.m., leaving the young girl at her sister’s residence. Later that day, at around 3:30 p.m., the maternal aunt briefly left the child in the care of a neighbor while she retrieved her own child from school. It is alleged that during this period, the accused took his daughter to his residence and subjected her to sexual abuse.

Upon the mother’s return home that evening, she noticed an injury to the child’s private parts. When questioned, the child disclosed the details of the assault. The following day, the child was taken to a medical facility for examination, which confirmed the abuse. Subsequently, a formal complaint was lodged at the Bajpe Police Station, initiating a criminal investigation.

District Additional and Sessions Judge K.S. Manu presided over the inquiry, meticulously examining the evidence and testimonies presented. Ultimately, the court found sufficient grounds to convict the father on the charges brought against him under the POCSO Act.

The charge sheet in this case was filed by Sandeep, the former station inspector of the Bajpe Police Station. Sahana Devi served as the government’s counsel, advocating for the prosecution. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 28, at which time the court will determine the appropriate punishment for the convicted individual.