Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana, November 16

Additional Sessions Judge KK Jain has convicted Chandan Kumar (25), a mobile phone shop owner of New Samrat Colony, Giaspura, Ludhiana, on the accusation of sexual assault on a 14-year-old girl.

He was sentenced to undergo rigorous imprisonment for 10 years. A fine of Rs 1.01 lakh was also imposed upon the convict. The court made it clear that out of the recovered fine amount, Rs 1 lakh would be paid as compensation to the victim.

Pronouncing the verdict, the court held that the prosecution has successfully proved the guilt of the accused beyond any reasonable shadow of doubt.

Divulging the details, Special Public Prosecutor Monika Gupta said a case against the accused was registered on March 12, 2019, at the Sahnewal police station following the statement of the victim girl’s mother.

The complainant had stated to the police that the victim girl was studying in Class IX. She had sent her daughter for mobile phone sim recharge at the shop of the accused. When she did not return for an hour, she went there. A number of persons had gathered outside the shop of the accused. Then it was revealed that the accused committed sexual assault on my daughter by closing down the shutter of the shop, added the complainant.

However, the accused pleaded innocence and claimed false implication. But after appreciating the evidence on record, the court found him guilty.