POCSO Court Sentences Man to 20 Years Jail for Sexually Assaulting Minor
Kurnool: The Kurnool district special POCSO Court sentenced a 30-year-old JCB driver, Darga Shekshawali of Ganja Halli village in Gonegandla mandal, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 for sexually assaulting a minor girl in Mahaveer Nagar of Kurnool.
Following a complaint lodged by the victim's mother on 12 August 2021, the Kurnool Women’s Police Station registered a case under Crime No. 74/2021, invoking Sections 376(2)(n), 376(3), 506 IPC, and Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
The case was investigated by the then DSP of the Women’s police station Venkataramaiah, who submitted a detailed report to the court. After examining the evidence, Special POCSO Court Judge Bhupal Reddy delivered the verdict on Thursday, sentencing the accused to 20 years of imprisonment. The court also directed the government to pay Rs 2 lakhs as compensation to the victim.
District SP G. Bindu Madhav lauded the efforts of special public prosecutor Venkateswara Reddy, Prakash Reddy, investigation officer DSP Venkataramaiah, and women PS constables Madhushankar and Gopi for ensuring justice was served.
Follow Netaji's Footsteps: Minister Janardhan Reddy
Kurnool: Roads, Buildings, and Investments Minister B.C. Janardhan Reddy urged the youth to draw inspiration from Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose’s patriotism and contribute to the nation’s progress. He unveiled a statue of Netaji, organised by the Ex-Servicemen's Association, near Kovelakuntla bus stand on Bose’s 128th birth anniversary on Thursday.
The minister highlighted Netaji’s role in forming the Indian Army to fight British rule, inspiring youth to join the armed forces. He also emphasised the coalition government’s focus, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, and Deputy CM Pawan Kalyan, on attracting industries, creating jobs, and ensuring rural development with urban-level infrastructure.
Reddy reiterated the government’s commitment to balancing welfare with development while fulfilling its election promises.
SFI demands action against misbehaving professors at RU
Kurnool: SFI district president Rangappa and secretary Abdullah have criticised the administration of Rayalaseema University for not taking action against professors accused of harassing students. Despite a formal complaint to Vice-Chancellor N.T.K. Nayak on January 10, no steps have been taken.
The leaders alleged that an assistant professor from the Telugu department has been harassing female students by making late-night calls after consuming alcohol. They questioned why the administration has ignored complaints from tribal students, particularly when swift action was taken in a previous case involving a professor from the chemistry department.
SFI warned of large-scale protests if immediate action is not taken and plans to escalate the matter to the Governor. SFI City Secretary Sai, PSN District Convener Amar, and other leaders participated in the protest.
Meat sale ban on Republic Day
Kurnool: Kurnool Municipal Corporation public health officer Dr K. Vishweshwar Reddy announced on Thursday that meat sales will be banned in the city on January 26 in observance of Republic Day celebrations. He also stated that meat shops should remain closed on Sundays and that meat products should not be sold in hotels and restaurants. The officer warned that violators would face legal action, including cancellation of business licenses and heavy fines.