‘His Intention Was Not Good’: Bombay High Court Upholds Conviction of Man Accused of Stalking and Sexually Harassing 13-Year-Old Schoolgirl in Amravati

Mumbai, August 22: The Bombay High Court recently dismissed a man, Mituram Dhurve's plea and stated that consistent pursuit of a minor girl by an adult constitutes sexual harassment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The Nagpuch bench of the state's high court passed the order in the case of a 28-year-old man from Amravati, who was found guilty of harassing a 13-year-old schoolgirl. It was learned that the accused repeatedly harassed the minor girl by expressing his love time and again and even boasting that she would reciprocate his feelings.

Justice Govinda Sanap, who dismissed the man's appeal against his conviction, found the accused guilty of harassing the minor girl despite her showing clear disinterest, reports TOI. The high court judge also stated that the accused's behaviour demonstrated harmful intent. From stalking the minor girl to confessing his love and boasting about the victim reciprocating his love, the accused stated that he wanted a relationship with her. The court noted this intention of the accused as explicit. "His intention was not good." the judge added. Mumbai Shocker: Class 9 Student Rapes 3-Year-Old Girl in Sakinaka, Arrested.

The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court also stated that the evidence showed by the victim was sufficient to prove that the accused harassed her. While applying the offence of sexual harassment in the case, the judge said that the accused's conduct was sufficient enough to reflect his intention. The alleged incident occurred in July-August 2017. Back then, the accused started stalking the 13-year-old girl outside her school in Warud town, Amravati. It was learned that Dhurve would follow the victim on his motorcycle when she went for her tuition classes.

On August 19, 2017, the accused confronted the victim, grabbed her hand and expressed his love for her. He even told the minor girl that she would accept his feelings one day. Soon after, the girl slapped the accused and later reported the incident to her parents, who took her to the police and lodged a complaint against the accused. After his arrest, Dhurve was convicted and awarded a one-year jail term. Mumbai Shocker: Woman, Paramour Kill Husband for Objecting to Their Relationship in Panvel Area, Police Register Case.

However, the accused filed a plea alleging he was falsely implicated, which the high court rejected. The ruling passed by Justice Sanap reaffirmed the accused's conviction, thereby proving that the charges of stalking and sexual harassment were proven.

Women and Child Helpline Numbers:

Childline India – 1098; Missing Child and Women – 1094; Women’s Helpline – 181; National Commission for Women Helpline – 112; National Commission for Women Helpline Against Violence – 7827170170; Police Women and Senior Citizen Helpline – 1091/1291.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 22, 2024 02:45 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).