Mangaluru: Man sentenced to 5 years for filming minor, woman in bathroom

Team Udayavani, Dec 21, 2024, 8:58 AM IST

The Mangaluru Additional District and Sessions Court, FTSC-1 (POCSO), sentenced a man to five years of imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 15,000 for recording videos of a minor girl and a married woman bathing in their home bathroom.

The accused is Rameez, a resident of Bengre.

Case details:

Rameez was found guilty of secretly recording videos on July 5 and 7, 2024, between 8 PM and 9 PM using his mobile phone. On July 16, while attempting to record another video from a neighboring terrace, he was spotted by the house members. When confronted, Rameez fled, leaving behind his mobile phone, which was later retrieved. Upon unlocking the phone, the residents discovered the inappropriate videos, prompting them to file a complaint at the Panambur Police Station on July 17.

Investigation and trial:

The initial investigation was carried out by Panambur PSI Raghavendra, and PSI Sreekala completed the inquiry, filing a charge sheet in court. Special Public Prosecutor Sahana Devi Bolur argued the case on behalf of the prosecution.

Judge Vinay Devaraj of FTSC-1 found the accused guilty and delivered the sentence. Additionally, the court directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure the victims receive Rs 1 lakh as compensation.

Swift justice delivered in five months:

The verdict was delivered within five months of the complaint being registered, showcasing an expedited judicial process. The mother of the minor girl played a pivotal role in pursuing justice for her daughter.

A forensic examination of Rameez’s mobile phone confirmed the presence of videos of the victims and identified him as the perpetrator.

Call for awareness:

The court expressed concern over the rise in such incidents, highlighting that 14 similar POCSO cases had been brought before the court in the last six months. To address this alarming trend, the judge recommended forming committees comprising legal experts and other professionals to conduct awareness programs at the taluk level every six months. These initiatives aim to educate the youth on the severe consequences of creating or sharing inappropriate videos.

This judgment underscores the importance of safeguarding privacy and emphasizes the legal consequences of violating it.