Man gets jail for sexual assault on minor girl

Mangaluru: The additional district and sessions FTSC-II (Pocso) judge Maanu KS sentenced a man to four years and six months of rigorous imprisonment in a Pocso case.Mohammad Safwan alias Safwan, 32, a resident of Shanthigudde in Bajpe, was convicted in the case. A minor girl was photographed while with an acquaintance, and later, the accused followed her, blackmailed her, and committed sexual assault.On March 30, 2025, an acquaintance took a 15-year-old girl to Kadri Park. While they were sitting together, the accused Safwan took a photo. Later, as the girl headed home, he followed her on a scooter. On the way, he threatened her, saying he had her photo and asking if he should tell her father. When the girl walked ahead, he grabbed her hand and took her to an apartment building, where he assaulted her. Hearing her brother's voice, the accused fled. The girl informed her family about the incident, leading to a case being registered. Inspector Balakrishna HN from Women's police station investigated and filed a chargesheet in court.After the trial, the judge sentenced the accused under Section 8 of the Pocso Act and Section 75(1) of the BNS to three years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 15,000. Under Section 78 of the BNS, he was sentenced to one year and six months of simple imprisonment. The court directed that Rs 20,000 from the fine and an additional Rs 30,000 be given as compensation to the victim through the District Legal Services Authority.Special public prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor argued on behalf of the prosecution.