Belagavi: In a landmark judgment, the Belagavi District POCSO Court has awarded the death penalty to 28-year-old Bharatesh Ravasab Mirji, a resident of Paramanandwadi in Raybag taluk, for the rape and brutal murder of an 8-year-old girl in 2019.
According to the case details, on October 15, 2019, the child had gone to a nearby shop when the accused lured her into his house, sexually assaulted her, and later tied a stone to her body before dumping it in a well. Her body was discovered with the help of a dog squad during an intensive search operation.
During the trial, the prosecution presented 20 witness statements, 106 documents, and 22 material evidences, which proved the charges against Bharatesh beyond doubt.
Delivering the verdict, Judge C.M. Pushpalatha sentenced the accused to capital punishment, along with additional sentences and fines under relevant sections. The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide a compensation of ₹10 lakh to the victim’s parents.
Special Public Prosecutor L.V. Patil appeared for the state and argued the case.
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