Auto driver gets 10 years RI for raping friend's minor daughter

Hyderabad: An auto driver who raped his friend's minor daughter was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment in a case reported at Pahadishareef in 2021.

The fast track special judge for expeditious trial and disposal of rape and Pocso Act cases in Ranga Reddy district, MK Padmavathi, also ordered the convict, now 47, to pay a fine of Rs 15,000 and awarded Rs 5 lakh compensation to the victim.

According to the police, the girl's parents had entrusted the accused with her care while they frequently visited the hospital for her father's treatment. Under the guise of consoling her, he gained her trust and later took advantage of her vulnerability. When her father was admitted to the hospital, the accused took custody of the girl, raped her, and hid her at a relative's house without her father's knowledge. The ordeal came to light only after the father was discharged and went to retrieve his daughter.

Following a complaint from the girl's father, Pahadishareef police registered a case in Nov 2021, charging the accused with rape, kidnap, cheating, and offenses under the Pocso Act. He was subsequently arrested.

During the trial, the girl testified that the accused had deceived her by pretending to love her and promising marriage. Her parents' statements corroborated her claims. Medical reports and witness testimonies further strengthened the case, leading to his conviction.

Rachakonda police commissioner G Sudheer Babu commended the investigating officers, prosecution team, and court staff for securing the conviction.