Hyderabad Court Sentences 20-Year-Old to 20 Years RI for Heinous Crime Under POCSO Act
(Syed Ali Taher Abedi)
Hyderabad, July 30: In a significant judgment, the Hon’ble XII Additional Metropolitan Sessions Judge at Nampally has convicted a 20-year-old man, Salimeda Vamshi, son of S. Srinivas, for multiple serious offenses including rape and sexual assault of a minor.
The case pertains to Crime No. 72/2022 registered at Amberpet Police Station under Sections 376(2)(n) and 493 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), as well as Section 5 read with Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The court sentenced Vamshi, who was employed in decoration work, to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for a period of 20 years. Additionally, he has been directed to pay a fine of ₹15,000. The court also awarded a compensation of ₹2,00,000 to the victim, to be paid through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA).
The judgment underscores the judiciary’s firm stance on crimes against women and children, especially those involving sexual violence.
On 21.02.2022, a 16-year-old girl lodged a complaint at Amberpet Police Station against S. Vamshi, a 20-year-old decoration worker, with whom she had been in a relationship since 2018. The victim alleged that Vamshi had established physical relations with her on multiple occasions at various locations under the false promise of marriage. When he failed to marry her, she decided to approach the police. The case was subsequently forwarded to the Bharosa Centre for the recording of her 180 BNSS statement.
The Bharosa Centre facilitated multiple counselling sessions for the victim and her family. Throughout this process, the Bharosa team extended moral and emotional support to help her regain stability. With regular follow-up sessions and consistent guidance, the victim managed to return to a sense of normalcy. She eventually completed her Intermediate education and is currently safe and residing with her family. However, the emotional trauma remained, as she struggled with the pain of betrayal from someone she had trusted deeply.
Following his release on bail, the accused resumed contact with the victim, subjecting her to harassment through persistent phone calls and by stalking her. He tried to pressure her into withdrawing the case. Upon learning of this ongoing harassment, the Bharosa team guided the victim to lodge a fresh complaint at Amberpet PS. This additional support empowered the victim to take further legal action against her harasser.
During one of the counselling sessions, the victim disclosed that she had become pregnant twice during her relationship with the accused. She shared that during the second pregnancy, the accused reacted with cruelty by shutting the door on her face, showing complete disregard for her condition. This act left her emotionally shattered and added significantly to her trauma. She is happy to hear the rigorous punishment of 20 years as pronounced by Magistrate
Key contributors included Mr. P. Sudhakar, the initial Investigating Officer and presently Inspector of Police, Main PCR, Vikarabad; Mr. N. Venkata Ramana, then ACP Malakpet and currently Additional DCP, Malkangiri Zone; and Sri Ram Reddy, Public Prosecutor. Legal guidance was provided by. Kalpana, Legal Counsellor from the Bharosa Centre, along with crucial support from the broader Bharosa team.
Court duty officers Sri N. Srinivas (PC 8248) and Sri G. Raju (PC 2836) of Amberpet Police Station also played a vital role throughout the trial proceedings. Their collective efforts ensured a thorough investigation and successful prosecution, culminating in the conviction of the accused.
The concerted efforts of Police Officers and Officers at Bharosa Centre were closely monitored by Smt. Dr. Lavanya NJP, DCP, Women Safety, Prasanna Lakshmi, ACP, Women Safety, Hyderabad apart from G. Manjula, Inspector Bharosa and Mary Augustine, Centre Administrator.
Sri. C.V.Anand, IPS, CP Mr.Hyderabad, appreciated the efforts of all the stake holders for their efforts and coordination.
