Hyderabad court sentences 20-yr-old flower decorator to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment for impregnating minor

Hyderabad: A Nampally court on Thursday sentenced 20-year-old flower decoration worker S Vamshi to 20-year rigorous imprisonment (RI) for repeatedly raping and impregnating a minor girl under the false promise of marriage. The XII additional metropolitan sessions court also imposed Rs 15,000 fine and ordered Rs 2 lakh compensation from the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to the survivor.

Vamshi was arrested in Feb 2022 after the 16-year-old girl lodged a complaint with Amberpet police, stating he had maintained a relationship with her since 2018, coerced her into physical relationship with a false promise of marriage. Police booked him under the Pocso Act.

The survivor’s statement was recorded at the city’s Bharosa Centre, which later provided counselling and continuous support, enabling her to resume her studies and complete Intermediate. During the counselling sessions, the survivor told the Bharosa centre staff that she became pregnant twice due to the sexual assaults.

After securing bail, Vamshi reportedly stalked the girl, trying to force her to withdraw the case. Bharosa staff guided her in filing a harassment complaint, strengthening the prosecution’s case.

“Convinced with the prosecution’s argument and evidence of systematic exploitation, the court has sentenced the accused to 20 years RI,” police said.

Relieved by the judgment, the survivor told counsellors she now hopes to build a new life, free from fear.

After securing bail, Vamshi stalked the girl, trying to force her to withdraw the case. Bharosa staff guided her in filing a harassment complaint, strengthening the prosecution’s case