60-year-old man rapes 2-year-old girl in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, arrested

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A two-year-old girl was allegedly raped by a 60-year-old neighbour in Uttar Pradesh's Barabanki, police said on Tuesday. The accused has been arrested.

The incident took place in the city area on Monday when the girl's mother was out on work and she was playing outside their house, they said. Their neighbor Ashok Kumar Goswami took the girl with him and raped her, police said.

When the girl later returned, family members informed the police, news agency PTI reported.

Circle Officer Beenu Singh and other police officers reached the spot, and later an FIR was registered on the complaint of the mother.

Additional SP Ashutosh Mishra said the FIR was lodged against the accused under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) Act. Police said the girl will be sent for the medical examination. A detailed probe in the matter is underway, they said.

What is Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act is a legal framework enacted in India in 2012 to provide a robust mechanism for the protection of children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The primary objective of the act is to effectively address and counter sexual offenses against individuals under the age of 18.

Key features of the POCSO Act include:

Wide-ranging definitions: It defines various forms of sexual abuse, including but not limited to sexual harassment, penetrative and non-penetrative assault, child pornography, and more.

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Special courts: The act mandates the establishment of special courts specifically designated to handle cases related to offenses against children. These courts aim to expedite the legal process and ensure child-friendly procedures during the trials.

Child-centric approach: The legal proceedings under the POCSO Act prioritize the well-being of the child, considering their emotional and psychological needs. Special measures are taken to conduct trials in a manner that is less traumatic for the victim.

Mandatory reporting: The law makes it obligatory for individuals, including healthcare providers, teachers, and others, to report instances of child sexual abuse to the authorities.

Stringent punishments: The Act provides for severe penalties for those found guilty of committing offenses against children. It also includes provisions for stringent punishment for repeat offenders.

The POCSO Act emphasizes the importance of safeguarding children from sexual offenses and aims to create a protective environment for their overall well-being.