Panchkula, May 15 -- Convicting a 60-year-old shopkeeper for molesting a minor girl, a fast-track court in Panchkula has sentenced him to five years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 10 of the POCSO Act. A fine of Rs.10,000 has been imposed on him. The matter dates back to 2022. According to the complaint filed by the victim's mother, a resident of Panchkula, the convict targeted her 10-year-old daughter whenever she visited his shop. The mother alleged that the shopkeeper intentionally turned off the CCTV cameras before subjecting the child to indecent and inappropriate acts. To ensure the victim's silence, the convict lured the minor with offers of money and free items from the shop. The ordeal came to light only after the child narrated her traumatic experience to her mother. The FIR was registered in August 2022 and the accused was apprehended. During the investigation, the police gathered evidence and conducted counseling for the victim through the Child Welfare Committee. Furthermore, the victim's statement was recorded before a magistrate under Section 164 of the CrPC. After hearing arguments and examining the evidence, court observed that the accused was guilty....