62-yr-old gets 20 yrs’ RI for sexually harassing 5-yr-old

Kolkata: A Barasat Pocso court sentenced a 62-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually harassing a five-year-old child while she came to his Salt Lake home to take tuition from his daughter. The man was also fined Rs 50,000.On Jan 15, 2020, an FIR was filed at the East Bidhannagar police station alleging that the child, a resident of Salt Lake, used to attend tuition at the tutor's house every evening. Either the child's father or mother would pick up the child. The family reported to the police that the child was suddenly reluctant to go for tuition. For several days she would cry at the mention of going to the tuition classes. Her mother thought the child was being mischievous and even scolded her for it. Eventually, they forced the child to attend the tuition.On the day the FIR was filed, upon returning from the tuition class, the child informed the parents about the sexual abuse. The family stated that the child tried to inform the tutor about the harassment earlier, but she did not pay attention. Based on the family's complaint, police arrested the tutor's father. He was held in custody while the trial proceeded.Judge Sushmita Mukherjee of the special Pocso court in Barasat found the senior citizen guilty. He was convicted under sections 6 and 12 of the Pocso Act and sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000. Special public prosecutor Mrinal Das stated, "There is no forgiveness for such crimes. We are satisfied with the punishment of the accused."