Life term for teacher in sexual abuse case

Our Legal Correspondent

Ludhiana, January 24

Additional Sessions Judge Jagdeep Kaur Virk has convicted a teacher, Pankaj Arora of BRS Nagar, of sexually abusing a 14-year-old girl. He has been sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 2 lakh.

Delivering the verdict, the court held that the prosecution had proved the guilt of the accused beyond any reasonable shadow of doubt. The court declined the plea of leniency raised by the accused.

The victim was a student of 10th standard in a reputed school.

According to the prosecution, the teacher coaxed the girl into seeking coaching from him on the pretext of getting good marks. He later raped her and also prepared an objectionable video film. He started blackmailing her.

Arora was also accused of hurling sexual abuses at her.

The accused was arrested on August 23, 2014, after registration of an FIR under Section 376 of the IPC and the POSCO Act at the Sarabha Nagar police station.