Man gets 10-yr RI for sexual assault bid on minor

Kanpur: Special judge Pocso Act Kanpur Nagar Amit Verma on Tuesday convicted one Tulai Ram for attempt to physically assault a minor and speech-impaired girl, punishing him with 10 years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 20,000.The presiding judge also sentenced him for ten years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs 10,000, punishing him under SC/ST Act. The judicial officials ordered to pay Rs 15,000 from the fine amount to the girl for her rehabilitation and compensation. Citing the provisions of section 357 A of CrPC, the judge recommended to District Legal Services Authority to provide her a sum of Rs 2 lakh as damages.According to additional district government counsel Sushil Kumar Verma, a report was lodged by the girl's father on July 9, 2016 at Gwaltoli police station. In his complaint, he stated that his wife had gone to collect fodder for cows from the field of one Manoj. Around 6.30pm, his 12-year-old daughter also left to be with her mother. As soon as she reached near the field, Tulai dragged her and attempted to physically exploit her. The girl raised an alarm. Hearing her shrieks, the girl's father reached there and caught Tulai. As the girl's father and others were taking Tulai to police, he managed his escape.Special prosecutor Pocso stated since the girl was speech-impaired she could not tell anything about the incident. In compliance of court order the district probation officer provided a support person – Vandana Singh Solanki who helped the girl to get record her statement through gestures. She narrated entire story through gestures and identified the accused in the open court.The court observed that the girl was healthy and a competent witness. The prosecution proved its case successfully hence accused was being punished.