The Mahila Court here on Friday (May 15) sentenced a 31-year-old man to three years in jail for harassing a Class 8 student in Sathyamangalam in 2023.

The accused, R. Ajay from Belavadi in Mysuru district of Karnataka, was staying in a rented house in Sathyamangalam and working as a labourer when the incident occurred.

According to the prosecution, Ajay became acquainted with the girl, who lived in the same locality with her parents, and allegedly attempted to befriend her by offering chocolates and expressing his love for her. When the student rejected his advances, he allegedly threatened to inform her parents that she was speaking to a boy.

On December 11, 2023, Ajay allegedly intercepted the student while she was returning home from school and forced her to accept his proposal. He also allegedly threatened to kill the girl and her parents if she disclosed the matter. The frightened student later informed her parents, following which a complaint was lodged with the Sathyamangalam All Women Police Station. Police registered a case under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and for criminal intimidation, and arrested the accused.

After completion of the trial, Mahila Court Judge C. Sornakumar sentenced Ajay to three years in jail for the harassment and another three years for threatening her. The sentences will run concurrently. The court also imposed on him a fine of ₹10,000.

The judge further recommended to the State government that ₹1 lakh be provided as compensation to the survivor. Special Public Prosecutor M. Jayanthi appeared for the prosecution.