Deux hommes reconnus coupables dans l'affaire du POCSO de Balapur condamnés à 10 et 5 ans chacun

Two men convicted in the Balapur POCSO case have been sentenced to 10 and 5 years of imprisonment respectively, along with fines and compensation orders. The judgment was issued by a Fast Track Special Court for the Expeditious Trial and Disposal of Rape and POCSO Act Cases in Rangareddy district. The two defendants, who had previously been arrested by the Balapur police, were found guilty in a case initially registered in 2022 under the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocies) Act. The principal accused, Sampangi Chandra Shekar, aged 23, identified as an autorickshaw driver, received a sentence of 10 years' rigorous imprisonment. He was also ordered to pay a fine of ₹10,000. The second accused, Bollipaka Madhu, aged 22, a student, was sentenced to five years' imprisonment and fined ₹7,000. In addition to these penalties, the court mandated that ₹50,000 be given as compensation to one victim and ₹1 lakh to another. These financial settlements were part of the court's broader effort to address the harm caused to the victims. The case originated in Balapur, a town in Rangareddy district, where the initial investigation was conducted by the local police. The charges against the two men stemmed from allegations of sexual offenses against minors, which fall under the purview of the POCSO Act. The legal proceedings were expedited through the fast-track special court mechanism designed to ensure quicker justice for cases involving child sexual abuse. This system aims to reduce delays and provide timely redressal to survivors. Both accused were apprehended by the Balapur police during the early stages of the investigation. Their arrest marked a critical step in the judicial process, leading to their eventual conviction. The trial took place before the specialized court, which has been established to handle such sensitive and complex matters efficiently. The sentencing reflects the severity of the crimes committed and underscores the legal framework aimed at protecting children from exploitation and abuse. The victims, whose identities have not been disclosed publicly, were reportedly minors at the time of the alleged incidents. The compensation awarded to them is intended to help mitigate some of the long-term psychological and emotional trauma they may have endured. While the exact circumstances of the abuse remain undisclosed, the legal proceedings indicate that the court considered the nature of the offenses and the impact on the victims when determining the appropriate punishment. The judgment was delivered on Tuesday, July 21, 2026, following a thorough examination of evidence presented during the trial. The court’s decision aligns with the provisions of the POCSO Act, which mandates stringent punishments for perpetrators of child sexual abuse. The imposition of fines alongside prison terms serves as a dual deterrent, aiming to both punish the offenders and compensate the victims. The case highlights the ongoing efforts of law enforcement and judiciary to enforce laws protecting vulnerable groups, particularly children.