KURUKSHETRA: A fast-track special court in Kurukshetra has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 40,000 for abducting and raping a minor girl.The verdict was pronounced by the additional district and sessions judge (Fast Track Special Court for Rape and POCSO Act cases), who found the accused, Balwinder Singh alias Bagga, a resident of Kaithal, guilty under multiple provisions of law.According to the district prosecutor, the case dates back to January 16, 2023, when the minor girl, who was staying with her relatives in Ismailabad area, went missing after dinner. The complainant, a local resident, suspected that Balwinder Singh had lured the girl away. A complaint was lodged at Ismailabad police station, and an FIR was registered under relevant sections.The investigation was led by sub-inspector Ramandeep Kaur, who recovered the missing girl, conducted her medical examination, and subsequently arrested the accused. Following his arrest, Singh was remanded to judicial custody and a chargesheet was filed in court.During the trial, the prosecution presented witnesses and documentary evidence that established the accused’s involvement in the crime. On September 1, 2025, the court delivered its judgment, holding Balwinder guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code (IPC).The court awarded the following punishments, 20 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 30,000 under Section 6 (punishment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault) of the POCSO Act. In case of non-payment, he will undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment. Five years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 under Section 363 IPC (kidnapping). In case of default, an additional three months imprisonment. And seven years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 under Section 366 IPC (abduction for forced marriage or illicit relations). In case of default, an additional three months imprisonment. All sentences will run concurrently, with a total fine of Rs 40,000 imposed.The judgment underscores the judiciary’s stern stance against crimes involving minors and reiterates the strict application of POCSO provisions in such cases.