A man, earlier arrested for sexually assaulting a two-year-old girl, was sentenced to undergo 25 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) by a Nampally court in Hyderabad on Wednesday (November 26). The court also slapped a fine of ₹10,000 on the accused.

The accused, identified as Sardar Trilokh Singh, 50, a government employee residing in Tilak Nagar, Kachiguda, was arrested on June 22, 2024.

The case came to light on June 21, 2024, when the victim’s mother lodged a complaint stating that after her husband’s death in January 2023, she had been living with her aunt’s family and would leave her young daughter in their care while she went to work. Although she moved to a separate rented house following disputes in May 2024, she continued to entrust the child to the same relatives during work hours.

On June 16, 2024, the child complained of pain in her private part. As her condition worsened, she was taken to hospital on June 18, where doctors found injuries caused by sexual assault. Suspecting her uncle, Sardar Trilokh Singh, who regularly looked after the child, the mother sought legal action. A case was registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 376(AB) (rape on a woman under twelve years of age) of the Indian Penal Code.

Following a detailed investigation, a chargesheet was filed. After completion of the trial, the court convicted the accused under Section 5(l) read with Section 6 of the POCSO Act, Section 376AB IPC and Section 376(2)(f) IPC.