RAVI KUMAR MAHTO Vs. STATE OF BIHAR

JUDGEMENT

(1.) The present appeal has been filed under Sec. 374(2) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (hereinafter referred as 'Cr.P.C.') challenging the common judgment of conviction dtd. 3/4/2023 and order of sentence dated 10-04- 2023 passed by learned Exclusive Special Judge (POCSO Act), Saran at Chapra, in connection with ST POCSO No. 40/2020, (arising out of Kopa P.S. Case No. 117 of 2020) by which the appellant No.1 has been convicted for the offences punishable under Ss. 4/6 of the POCSO Act and Ss. 376 and 341 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to undergo 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs.25,000.00 under Sec. 4 of the POCSO Act, 20 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs.25,000.00 under Sec. 6 of the POCSO Act and simple imprisonment for one month under Sec. 341 1.P.C. Appellant no.2 has been convicted under Sec. 4/16, 6 of the POCSO Act and Ss. 376/109 and 341 of the Indian Penal Code and Sec. 67 and 67A of the IT Act and has been sentenced to undergo 10 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs.25000.00 under Sec. 4/16 of the POCSO Act, 20 years rigorous imprisonment and fine of Rs.25,000.00 under Sec. 6 of the POCSO Act, simple imprisonment for one month under Sec. 341 I.P.C., simple imprisonment for one year and fine of Rs.50,000.00 under Sec. 67 of the IT Act and simple imprisonment for one year and fine of Rs.50,000.00 under sec. 67A of the IT Act. All the sentences have been directed to run concurrently.

(2.) Heard Mr. Harshvardhan Shivsundaram, learned Advocate, for the appellants and Mr. Sujit Kumar Singh, learned A.P.P. for the respondent-State.

(3.) Prosecution story in brief is as under: