Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (SP)

Udupi, Apr 13: The district special court here, which had in its verdict dated April 10 found that the rape charge leveled against Arun Achari (32) were proved, had said that quantum of sentence would be announced on Friday April 12.

The court has now awarded 27 years of rigorous imprisonment to Achari. Achari was accused of tactfully kidnapping a girl who was facing certain mental disorders, leading her to his home and raping her. A complaint of rape had thereafter been registered in Manipal police station.

After the then circle inspector, Girish S V, investigated case and circle inspector, Sampath Kumar, had filed charge sheet. The details of sentence are ten years rigorous imprisonment (RI) and Rs 30,000 fine for rape, ten years RI and Rs 50,000 fine under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and seven years RI and fine of Rs 30,000 for abduction. Except the imprisonment for abduction, the two other sentences will run concurrently. Out of the above fine, one lac rupees will have to be disbursed to the distressed girl and the remaining amount should be used for court costs, the judge said in the order.

As soon as the quantum of sentence was announced, the guilty, who was present in the court, shed tears. The judge mainly relied on DNA report, and statement of the girl when pronouncing the verdict. Achari has remained in judicial custody and his efforts to get bail during the last three years had failed.