Srinagar, Dec 23, KDC: A Fast Track Court for POCSO Cases in Srinagar has convicted a resident of Fakir Gujri, Harwan, for committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a minor boy in 2018 and sentenced him to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment, along with concurrent punishment under the RPC.
The court, presided over by Presiding Officer Umi Kulsoom, delivered the judgment, a copy of which lies with news agency Kashmir Dot Com (KDC), holding Nazir Ahmad Doyi, son of Gami Doyi, guilty under Section 5(m,n)/6 of the POCSO Act and Section 377 of the Ranbir Penal Code (RPC). The quantum of punishment was pronounced on December 15, 2025.
According to the prosecution, the case arose from FIR No. 45/2018 registered at Police Station Harwan on the complaint of the victim’s father. The incident occurred on August 8, 2018, when the victim, aged about five and a half years, was allegedly lured by the accused to his house on the pretext of playing and was subjected to sexual assault.
The victim’s parents reported that the child returned home crying and bleeding, following which the matter was reported to the police the next day. The investigation led to the filing of a charge sheet under Sections 342, 511, 377 RPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
After examining prosecution witnesses, including the victim, his parents, relatives, school authorities, and the Investigating Officer, the court held that the prosecution had proved the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
The court observed that the minor inconsistencies in witness statements did not undermine the core prosecution case, particularly in view of the victim’s tender age. It further noted that offences under the POCSO Act carry a statutory presumption against the accused, which the defence failed to rebut.
The defence plea of false implication due to an alleged land dispute was rejected, with the court observing that no credible documentary evidence was produced to substantiate the claim.
While hearing arguments on the quantum of punishment, the court considered both aggravating and mitigating circumstances. Taking note of the gravity of the offence and the age of the victim, the court sentenced the convict to rigorous imprisonment for 12 years under Section 5(m,n)/6 of the POCSO Act, Simple imprisonment for 10 years under Section 377 RPC. Both sentences were directed to run concurrently. The period already undergone by the convict during investigation and trial was ordered to be set off under Section 428 CrPC.
The convict was remanded to Central Jail Srinagar to serve the remaining sentence.
In addition to the sentence, the court awarded ₹7 lakh as victim compensation for rehabilitation, directing the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, to process the compensation through the State Legal Services Authority, J&K.
The court emphasized that while sentencing must balance reformative principles, offences involving sexual assault on children require strict adherence to legislative intent, and minimum statutory punishment under the POCSO Act must be enforced to uphold societal conscience and the rule of law. (KDC)
