Overview
- A Special POCSO Court in Tenali convicted Guduri Ramesh, also known as Salman Raju, and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹10,000.
- The court found Ramesh guilty under Section 376(AB) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 read with Section 5(m) of the POCSO Act and directed the government to pay ₹4 lakh to the eight-year-old victim.
- Police say the assault occurred when the accused visited the girl’s home for painting work and was discovered by the child’s mother, whose complaint led to a Repalle police investigation.
- Prosecutor Velineni Raghavaiah presented documentary records, forensic findings and witness testimony during the trial to establish the prosecution’s case.
- Bapatla police officials praised the investigation and prosecution for securing the conviction within three years and highlighted the role of Special POCSO Courts in delivering accountability and victim relief.