Patan POCSO Court sentences man to 3 years jail for harassing minor girl

A special POCSO court in Patan has sentenced a 25-year-old man, Jigar Solanki, to three years of rigorous imprisonment for the harassment and stalking of a minor girl. 

The prosecution established that the accused, a laborer residing in Chanasma, had been consistently stalking and harassing the 17-year-old victim. Over a period of one month, the accused repeatedly followed her on her way to school and made obscene gestures, even offering her ₹200 to come with him. 

The matter escalated on February 23, 2024, when he intercepted her in a market street and held her hand. When the victim’s mother and sister confronted him, Solanki threatened them with life.

Finding his actions a clear breach of child safety laws, the court convicted Solanki under Section 12 of the POCSO Act, alongside Sections 354A(1)(1), 354D(1)(1), 294(b), and 506(2) of the Indian Penal Code. 

Along with the three-year prison term, the court imposed a total fine and ordered a compensation of ₹50,000 to be paid to the victim for rehabilitation.