Thane: A 13-year-old girl’s testimony proved crucial in securing a conviction for a 50-year-old who sexually assaulted and harassed her, reports Nishikant Karlikar. Special judge D S Deshmukh of Thane special court convicted and sentenced the accused to the time already served in jail since his 2019 arrest. The accused, a neighbour, allegedly lured the girl into his home while her mother was at work. Special public prosecutor Rekha Hiwrale said the girl, then seven years old, told her mother upon her return that the accused dragged her into his house, promising her a “big chocolate”. The child alleged he removed their clothes, touched and kissed her, and attempted more serious sexual acts.During the trial, the prosecution presented four witnesses, including the victim and her mother. The court found sufficient evidence for sexual assault and harassment, and convicted the accused under the Pocso Act.
