Mother Among Three Sentenced to 10 Years in Kullu Child Trafficking, POCSO Case
Shimla/Kullu, July 14: In a significant judgment against child trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors, a Special Court in Kullu has sentenced three convicts, including the victim's mother, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment each for forcing a minor into prostitution.
Special Judge Prakash Chand Rana convicted Shiv Shankar alias Sikander, originally from Bareilly in Uttar Pradesh and later residing in Zirakpur, Nitin Jain alias Mannu of Karnal, Haryana, and the victim's mother under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act.
The court also imposed monetary fines on all three convicts.
The case dates back to April 29, 2018, when the Childline Manali team brought the minor girl to Manali Police Station, where an FIR was registered on the basis of her complaint.
According to District Attorney, the investigation uncovered a disturbing case of human trafficking in which the minor was allegedly threatened with death and forced into prostitution.
In her statement, the victim alleged that her own mother had pushed her into the illegal trade.
The investigation further revealed that the prime accused, Shiv Shankar alias Sikander, had allegedly promised the victim's mother ₹40,000 per month in exchange for the child's exploitation.
Police also found that Shiv Shankar and Nitin Jain were jointly operating the trafficking and prostitution network.
After completing the investigation, police filed a charge sheet before the court. During the trial, the prosecution examined 14 key witnesses and presented documentary and other evidence.
Relying on the testimony of witnesses and the evidence placed on record, the court found all three accused guilty and awarded them rigorous imprisonment along with financial penalties.
The conviction is being seen as a strong judicial response against child trafficking and the sexual exploitation of minors being done by outsiders by luring gullible locals.
