Mangaluru: A fast-track special court Thursday sentenced a 50-year-old fisherman to five years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 3-year-old child.The convict has been identified as Ashok K.According to Special Public Prosecutor Sahana Devi Boloor, the incident occurred on May 4, 2025, when the child was playing in the compound. A neighbour reportedly called the child home and gave the child food. After eating, the child was asked by the mother to return the plate to the neighbour, during which the accused allegedly sexually assaulted the child.The court, presided over by additional district and sessions judge, FTSC-I, Mohana J S, sentenced Ashok to five years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 60,000 under Section 10 of the Pocso Act. Of this, Rs 50,000 will be awarded to the victim.The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to pay compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the victim.The chargesheet in the case was filed by ACP Nazma Farooqi.
