A special POCSO court in Meerut sentenced a man named Bhure to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment on Tuesday for the rape of a 16-year-old girl in 2017. Additional District Judge (POCSO) Mohd Babar Khan convicted Bhure, imposing a fine of Rs 50,000 in addition to the jail term. The case, involving Bhure and two juveniles, was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The trial against the juvenile offenders remains ongoing in a separate court.

The incident, which shocked the local community, occurred in Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, when the victim was allegedly gang-raped by the accused. The prosecution presented evidence, including the survivor’s testimony and medical reports, leading to Bhure’s conviction. The court’s decision has been hailed by local activists as a step toward justice for survivors of sexual violence, though the pending juvenile cases highlight the complexity of addressing such crimes.

Uttar Pradesh has seen a rise in POCSO cases, with over 15,000 registered in 2024, according to state police data. The Meerut court’s ruling underscores ongoing efforts to combat sexual violence against minors, amid calls for faster judicial processes and stricter enforcement.

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