Mangaluru: Man sentenced to 20 years for abduction and sexual assault of minor

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangaluru, April 11, 2026: The Additional District and Sessions FTSC-2 (POCSO) Court has sentenced a 20-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the abduction and sexual assault of a minor girl. The convict has been identified as Mahesh Madara, a resident of Hole Munnuru in Ron Taluk, Gadag district.
Background of the Case

The victim, a minor working as a home nurse, resided with her parents in a rented house on the outskirts of the city. The accused lived in the neighboring house, leading to an acquaintance between them.

According to the prosecution, on May 19, 2015, Mahesh called the victim while she was at work and asked her to meet him at Ballalbagh. From there, he took her in an auto-rickshaw to a shed near Kavoor, where he sexually assaulted her against her will. The following morning, he took her by bus to Ballari, where he allegedly assaulted her again.

Investigation and Legal Action

Following a complaint filed by the organization where the victim worked, the Pandeshwar police tracked down both the accused and the victim. The police registered a case under BNS Sections 137(2) and 65(1), and Sections 5 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

The investigation was completed by the then Sub-Inspector Rekha R., and the chargesheet was submitted by Inspector Gururaj.

Court Verdict

After conducting the trial, Judge Manu K.S. found the accused guilty. The court’s sentencing includes:

    Sexual Assault: 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹30,000 under POCSO Section 6 and BNS Section 65(1). Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional 3 months of simple imprisonment.

    Abduction: 3 years of imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 under BNS Section 137(2). Failure to pay will result in 1 month of simple imprisonment.

The court further directed that the total fine amount of ₹35,000 be paid to the victim. Additionally, the judge ordered the Legal Services Authority to provide ₹3.65 lakh as compensation to the victim.

Special Public Prosecutor Sahanadevi Bolur argued the case on behalf of the state.