(1.) The appellant Lokesh stands convicted, by judgment dated 29 th May, 2015, passed by the learned Additional Sessions Judge (hereinafter referred to as -the learned ASJ) under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (hereinafter referred to as -the POCSO Act) and Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860 (hereinafter referred to as -the IPC), and sentenced, vide the consequential order, dated 4th June, 2015, to suffer rigourous imprisonment for 10 years along with fine of 7500/-, with default sentence of 6 months simple imprisonment, for the offence under Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
(2.) The case, as set out by the prosecution, may be adumbrated thus.
(3.) On 28th December, 2013, the complainant Guddi, arrived at the Police Station, with her daughter, the prosecutrix, about 4 years of age, and tendered her statement, on the basis whereof prosecution was lodged against the present appellant. According to the said statement,