Man gets 7 yrs’ RI for sex assault of deaf-&-mute minor

Thane: A special Pocso court in Thane has sentenced a 28-year-old man to 7 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a deaf and mute 8-year-old boy in March 2017.
The minor testified in court with the help of sign language, which nailed the accused in court.
The accused was convicted under Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code and various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act by Judge DS Deshmukh, who also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000.
According to the prosecution, on March 22, 2017, the accused lured the minor to his house in Bhayander and sodomised him.
The crime came to light when the boy's mother noticed blood on his legs as he was found in the room of the convict, who had given him a Rs 2 coin as well.
Subsequently, the parent of the child approached the police station, and the accused was booked for sodomy and under other sections of the Pocso Act.
During the probe, the medical examination of the victim revealed injuries consistent with sexual assault. Forensic evidence also linked the accused to the crime in court.
The minor, who was 7 years and 10 months old at the time, testified in court with the help of a special educator, and the judge noted that his testimony was consistent and credible. Apart from the child, a total of 10 witnesses testified in court.
While sentencing the convict, the court observed that such heinous crimes against children must be dealt with stringently to send a message to society. However, it took a lenient view considering the accused's young age and the time already spent in jail since 2017.
The court has recommended compensation for the victim through the District Legal Services Authority.