Dandeli: The District & Sessions Court in Karwar has sentenced 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and has slapped a fine of Rs one lakh on a convict who was facing charges of sexually assaulting a minor boy. The court has also directed to provide compensation of Rs three lakh to the victim.

The convict has been identified as Harish Bhujang (28), a resident of Nirmala Nagar in Dandeli. The police had registered a POCSO case against Harish for sexually assaulting the boy on the banks of Kali river in May.

After a detailed investigation and collecting evidence and recording statements of 19 persons, the police had filed charge sheet at the court against Harish.

As the charges against Harish were proven in court, he was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.

Public prosecutor Subha Gaonkar represented the government.