MUMBAI: Refusing to accept that slapping and pinching were only part of punishment for mistakes made during badminton practice, a special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act court on Thursday convicted and sentenced a 27-year-old coach to five years’ rigorous imprisonment for sexually abusing a 10-year-old student in 2019.
The judge said that a coach is not expected to punish girl students by slapping their buttocks or pinching their chests.”This act cannot be said to be accidental or unintentional.”
The girl was being coached by the accused for a one-and-a-half months prior to the incident which took place on July 10, 2019, said the judge. Had she felt awkward due to accidental touching and close proximity, she would have complained earlier, the judge said, adding: “On the day of incident, during coaching, she felt touch of the accused was intentional hence, she complained. Pinching and slapping on the buttock of a girl aged 10 is definitely not the manner of punishment…”
The coach, who was booked under Pocso Act and was in jail from July 11 to August 28, 2019, was also fined Rs 5,000. “Fine, if paid by the accused, is to be paid to the survivor after the appeal period is over. If the fine amount is not deposited, she can approach the District Legal Services Authority to claim compensation,” the judge said.
The accused, who was booked under the Pocso Act, was in jail from July 11 to August 28, 2019.
The judge said that a coach is not expected to punish girl students by slapping their buttocks or pinching their chests.”This act cannot be said to be accidental or unintentional.”
The girl was being coached by the accused for a one-and-a-half months prior to the incident which took place on July 10, 2019, said the judge. Had she felt awkward due to accidental touching and close proximity, she would have complained earlier, the judge said, adding: “On the day of incident, during coaching, she felt touch of the accused was intentional hence, she complained. Pinching and slapping on the buttock of a girl aged 10 is definitely not the manner of punishment…”
The coach, who was booked under Pocso Act and was in jail from July 11 to August 28, 2019, was also fined Rs 5,000. “Fine, if paid by the accused, is to be paid to the survivor after the appeal period is over. If the fine amount is not deposited, she can approach the District Legal Services Authority to claim compensation,” the judge said.
The accused, who was booked under the Pocso Act, was in jail from July 11 to August 28, 2019.