The Second Additional District Special POCSO Court sentenced 37-year-old Prashantgouda Neelappagoudar to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed on him a fine of ₹55,000 for sexually assaulting a minor girl.
Judge Rajkumar C. delivered the judgment directing that the victim be paid compensation of ₹6 lakh from the victim compensation fund.
The accused, who is married, lured the girl two years ago with the promise of marrying her and sexually assaulted her.
He also threatened her against disclosing the matter to anyone.
The girl subsequently became pregnant and gave birth to a child at KIMS Hospital in Hubballi.
The girl’s father then lodged a complaint against the accused in a town in Dharwad district.
Police Inspector Shreeshail Koujalagi investigated the case and filed a charge-sheet.
Public Prosecutor Shaila Angadi argued the case for the State, said a release.
Published - October 18, 2026 06:21 pm IST