In a recent decision by the Bombay High Court, a dismissed Lieutenant Colonel has had his five-year jail sentence upheld for sexually assaulting and harassing an 11-year-old girl. The court ruled in favor of the minor’s testimony, emphasizing the importance of recognizing inappropriate touch.
The incident, which occurred in 2020 just a day after the officer’s posting in Pune, involved the officer asking a havildar to bring his two children to him under false pretenses. The court rejected the officer’s claim that he only wanted a kiss from the child as a gesture of affection.
Despite the lack of physical injury, the court found the officer guilty based on the consistent and clear testimony of the minor. This ruling reinforces the importance of a survivor’s testimony in cases of child abuse and upholds the stringent legal provisions under the POCSO Act.
The decision serves as a reminder of the need to take allegations of child abuse seriously and to prioritize the well-being of young victims.
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