South Zone Police have recorded a good jump in conviction rate in cases registered under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act in the first seven months of 2025.
“As many as 153 POCSO cases in the southern districts have resulted in conviction, involving 168 accused persons. Among them, 122 cases pertaining to child sexual abuse led to the conviction of 136 accused. This is a notable conviction rate of 70%,” said Inspector General of Police, South Zone, Prem Anand Sinha.
The conviction rate had improved in comparison with that of 2024, he added. During the previous year, a total of 238 POCSO cases, involving 252 accused, ended up in conviction, with a 61% conviction, he added.
Increased quantum of punishment
The IG said that not just the conviction rate had improved but also the quantum of punishment had increased in many cases.
“The courts have awarded life imprisonment in 20 cases and 44 sentences of imprisonment of 20 years and above,” Mr. Prem Anand said.
Among the southern districts, Dindigul has got the highest number of convictions in POCSO cases. It is followed by Theni and Kanniyakumari (20 cases each) Thoothukudi (18 cases) and Sivaganga (17 cases).
Two accused in Dindigul district cases were sentenced to imprisonment of 30 years and 50 years respectively. In Sivaganga district, two cases resulted in 62 years of jail and 41 years of imprisonment on a concurrent basis.
While one case in Theni ended up in double life imprisonment, three cases — two from Theni and one from Kanniyakumari – resulted in imprisonment exceeding 30 years.
Among the nine POCSO cases registered along with Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act that resulted in conviction, life imprisonment was awarded in one case each in Dindigul and Ramanathapuram districts. A 20-year sentence was imposed in one such case in Sivaganga.
The police in South Zone continue to maintain a stringent and committed stance against crimes targeting children.
“Final reports in POCSO cases are being filed within the mandated 60-day period, thus ensuring a timely progression of investigations,” Mr. Prem Anand said.
Besides, the police are conducting targeted awareness sessions to disseminate information on the provisions of the POCSO Act, victim rights, and other relevant legal safeguards.
The police are also working in close coordination with the CWCs (Child Welfare Committees) at the district level to ensure better victim support, awareness and reporting.
Expeditious trial
“In a majority of cases, trials have been completed within 1–2 years on an average, enabling a swift justice delivery,” he added.
The police remain committed to thoroughout investigations, timely charge-sheet filing and active trial follow-up, reaffirming their resolve to protect children and support victims through every stage of the criminal justice process.
The improved conviction rate also reinforced public trust in the criminal justice system..
Detention under Goondas Act
The Inspector General of Police said that South Zone Police had also intensified action against sexual offenders and had detained 93 of them under the Goondas Act.
In order to keep a sustained monitoring against sexual offenders, a total of 799 historysheets were being maintained across South Zone.
Published – August 13, 2025 08:24 pm IST
