Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Feb 26: In a stern message against sexual crimes on minors, the Fast Track Court, Jammu has awarded nine years’ rigorous imprisonment to Mohd Shahnawaz for attempting to rape a seven-year-old girl, holding that the offence was grave and the convict’s position as a religious tutor only aggravated the breach of trust.
The sentence was pronounced by Presiding Officer Amarjeet Singh Langeh in a case arising out of FIR No. 52/2018 of Police Station Nagrota, after the accused had been convicted on February 24, 2026 for the offence under Section 511 read with Section 376(2)(f) of RPC.
The prosecution, represented by APPs Ashwani Kumar and Shazia Choudhary, pressed for maximum punishment, highlighting the seriousness of the offence.
As per the prosecution case, the minor victim used to attend Quran lessons at Katal Batal Masjid where the accused was posted as Molvi. On March 12, 2018, the accused allegedly sent other children away and took the victim to an adjoining room, where he committed the crime.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 16 witnesses, including the victim, her mother, close relatives, independent witnesses, medical experts, and the Investigating Officer. The court held that the testimony of the child victim was natural, cogent, and trustworthy, and did not suffer from any material contradictions.
While awarding sentence, the court imposed RI for nine years and a fine of Rs 50,000, directing that Rs 25,000 (if deposited) be paid to the victim and the remaining amount be remitted to the Government Treasury. In default of payment of fine, the convict will undergo six months’ additional RI.
The court further ordered that the period already undergone shall be set off against the sentence, and directed that the convict be lodged in District Jail Amphalla, Jammu to serve the remainder.
Noting the need for victim support, the court also recommended compensation under the Jammu & Kashmir Victim Compensation Scheme, 2019, and directed that a copy of the order be sent to the District Legal Services Authority, Jammu for necessary action.
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