Thane man sentenced to 20 years for child sexual assault

A special court in Thane, Maharashtra, has sentenced a 38-year-old man to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl. The court found him guilty under Indian law and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The incident happened on February 11, 2021. The girl's mother realized her daughter was missing after coming home from work. She learned from neighbors that the accused had taken the girl for a snack. When found at his home, the girl had two ₹10 notes in her hand. She later told her mother that he had touched her inappropriately. The accused was arrested the following day. During the trial, the judge emphasized that sexual assault against children is a serious crime. He briefly considered the man’s request for leniency, noting his long detention and family responsibilities, including elderly parents, a wife, and children. Despite this, the judge sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹10,000. If the fine is not paid, the man will serve an additional three months in jail. The judge also stated that the time he has already spent in custody would count towards his sentence.