5-Year Rigorous Imprisonment For Hairdresser Under POCSO Act For Bad Touch

Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): The District and Sessions Court on Monday sentenced a male hairdresser to five years of rigorous imprisonment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for inappropriately touching a seven-year-old girl during a haircut session. The order was passed by Additional District Judge Kumudini Patel.

Public prosecutor Divya Shukla said that the incident occurred on June 26, 2022, when the minor girl visited a hair salon Ashoka Garden area along with her father. After returning home, the girl appeared visibly upset.

When questioned repeatedly by her mother, she revealed that the accused, Mohammed Zaid, who was working at the salon, had touched her inappropriately while making her wear the apron for the haircut.

The following day, the girl’s parents returned to the salon to confront the accused. In his presence, the child recreated the entire sequence of events. The father recorded the demonstration on his mobile phone, which later became a crucial piece of evidence.

Based on the incident, a case was registered at Ashoka Garden Police Station under Section 354-A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Sections 9(M) and 10 of the POCSO Act.

After examining the evidence and testimonies, the court found Mohammed Zaid guilty. He has been sentenced to five years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 2,000 under the POCSO Act, along with one year of rigorous imprisonment and a Rs 1,000 fine under Section 354-A of the IPC. The sentences will run concurrently.

Caught in the act

Convicted: Mohammed Zaid, hairdresser

Victim: 7-year-old girl

Incident Date: June 26, 2022

Key Evidence: Victim recreated scene; video recorded by father

Charges: Section 354-A IPC, Sections 9(M) & 10 POCSO Act

Sentence: 5-yr RI under POCSO Act, 1 year RI under IPC (concurrent)