Hyderabad: A special court in Rajendranagar sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in the Gachibowli rape case involving a minor girl. The accused, Shiva Santhula (24), was also fined ₹5,000 for rape and ₹3,000 for kidnapping under Section 366-A of the IPC.
The court further ordered a compensation of ₹5 lakh to the victim.
According to Cyberabad Police, the case (Cr. No. 1093/2023, SC No. 242/2024) was registered under Sections 366-A, 376(2)(n) of the IPC, Section 5(j)(ii) read with 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012, and Section 3(2)(v) of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Case background
On September 11, 2023, Gachibowli Police received a complaint from the victim’s father reporting the kidnapping of his 17-year-old daughter by Shiva Santhula, who worked at a tea stall. He stated that the accused had taken the girl from their residence early on September 10 and switched off his phone, evading contact.
Police registered a case under Section 363 IPC and began investigation. The girl was soon traced, and her statement led to the inclusion of rape and POCSO sections. Inspector B. James Babu of Gachibowli PS investigated the case initially, later joined by ACP Ch. Sreekanth, Madhapur Division, after the addition of SC/ST sections.
The investigation team collected all relevant evidence and filed a charge sheet before the Special POCSO Court.
Conviction and judgement
The prosecution, led by Public Prosecutor D. Upender, presented witnesses and material evidence supporting the charges. After trial, Sri P. Anjaneyulu, the Hon’ble Special Judge for Trial and Disposal of Rape and POCSO Act Cases, Ranga Reddy District, pronounced the judgment, convicting the accused.
The court awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and fines totaling ₹8,000. It also directed the government to pay ₹5 lakh compensation to the victim.
Cyberabad DCP (Crimes) commended the investigating officers and prosecution team for their swift and effective handling of the case.