33 convicted in Hyderabad POCSO, trafficking case; 5 sentenced to life
A city court on Wednesday convicted 33 accused in connection with a POCSO and human trafficking case of 2015 with sentences ranging between three years rigorous imprisonment to life imprisonment.
The case involves human trafficking and sexual exploitation of women and minor girls. The case was investigated by Women Safety Wing, CID, Hyderabad.
The Special Sessions Court for POCSO Act Cases, convicted five accused with life imprisonment, three with 14 years' RI, 14 accused with 10 years' RI and 11 others with rigorous imprisonment of three years.
The judgment includes convictions under the POCSO Act, IPC and various provisions of the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act and compensation to the victims, a release from Telangana Police said.
Considering the physical and mental trauma suffered by the victims, the court ordered payment of Rs five lakh each to nine victim girls, in addition to the compensation already received by them as per law, it said.
On July 17, 2015, one victim lodged a complaint stating that when she was engaged in agricultural work a person known to her from her village approached her with the promise of arranging employment.
She was subsequently introduced to three accused and was taken to various places, where she was allegedly forced into prostitution, subjected to assault and compelled to have sexual intercourse with several customers every day, the release said.
After remaining under their control for about four months, she managed to escape and approached the CID Office, where she lodged a complaint, it said.
Based on her complaint, a criminal case was registered and the CID Police conducted search operations and raids on brothel premises. During the course of the operation, the accused were apprehended and nine minor girls, along with other victims, were rescued. Incriminating materials were seized for evidence, it said.
After completion of a detailed and scientific investigation, the charge sheet was filed against the accused persons for the offences established during investigation. On completion of the trial, the court pronounced judgment, the release said.
