Belagavi: The Special Pocso fast track court of the additional district and sessions court on Friday sentenced a convict to 30 years in prison and a fine of Rs 1 lakh for sexually assaulting a minor by luring her with a promise of marriage. Laxman Maruti Karagund,24, from Deshnur, is the convict. On Dec 28, 2023, he lured the girl onto a bike and took her to Goa and Miraj via Khanapur. The parents lodged a complaint with the Nesargi police station. Then CPI Raghavendra Havaldar, who investigated the case, submitted a chargesheet to the trial court. The trial judge, C M Pushpalatha, found the accused guilty based on 10 witnesses, 71 documents, and 16 exhibits. The survivor was also ordered to receive Rs 4 lakh as compensation from the District Legal Authority. Special public prosecutor of the Pocso court LV Patil represented the govt.
