A Special POCSO Court in Ongole on Monday (February 16, 2026) sentenced a 46-year-old man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹6,000 for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old girl in 2020 under Karamchedu Police Station limits in Bapatla district. According to a press note issued by the Bapatla District Superintendent of Police B. Umamaheswar on Monday, the incident occurred on September 29, 2020, in the Karamchedu mandal. The accused, Nallagorla Srinivasa Rao, allegedly lured the minor with chocolates and snacks while she was alone at home, as her parents had gone out for daily wage work. Following a complaint by the victim’s parents, police registered a case under Sections 363 and 376(AB) read with 511 IPC and Section 6 read with 18 of the POCSO Act. The inquiry officer questioned the victim and witnesses, collected physical evidence, and ensured the accused was arrested and remanded. The charge sheet was later filed before the court after obtaining expert reports, said the Superintendent of Police. Delivering the judgment, Special POCSO Court Judge K. Shailaja held the accused guilty based on witness testimonies and material evidence. Superintendent of Police said strict action would be taken against crimes targeting women and children. He attributed the conviction to prompt investigation, systematic court trial monitoring, and coordinated efforts by investigating officers, prosecutors and court staff. Published – February 16, 2026 07:58 pm IST Share this: Click to share on WhatsApp (Opens in new window) WhatsApp Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook Click to share on Threads (Opens in new window) Threads Click to share on X (Opens in new window) X Click to share on Telegram (Opens in new window) Telegram Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window) LinkedIn Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email More Click to print (Opens in new window) Print Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window) Pocket Click to share on Mastodon (Opens in new window) Mastodon Click to share on Nextdoor (Opens in new window) Nextdoor Click to share on Bluesky (Opens in new window) Bluesky Like this:Like Loading... Post navigation Water level in Mullaperiyar dam stands at 119.30 feet ‘Walls’ of the vehicular overpass will divide the town, thereby affecting commercial activities, students and other residents, says Nagarika Horata Samithi