Cricketer's Conviction: A POCSO Court's Verdict

An 18-year-old professional cricketer has been sentenced to three years in prison by a POCSO court for allegedly kidnapping a minor in Joshimath, Chamoli district. Convicted under Section 363, the court also imposed a fine. The defense plans to appeal the decision.

A court designated under the Protection of Children Against Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act sentenced a young man to three years in prison for allegedly abducting a minor girl in Karnataka's Chamoli district.

At the time of the incident in 2022, the 18-year-old, who is reported to be a professional cricketer, faced charges of kidnapping, leading to the current conviction under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code and a fine of Rs 10,000.

Special Judge Archana Sagar, presiding over the case, directed that the state government compensates the victim with Rs 1 lakh. The defense has expressed intentions to appeal the verdict in the Uttarakhand High Court, particularly noting that the court acquitted the accused of rape charges, citing inconclusive medical reports.

(With inputs from agencies.)