An 18-year-old student from Secunderabad earlier arrested for sexually assaulting and blackmailing a 16-year-old girl has been sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment by a court in Nampally on Wednesday. The court also slapped a fine of ₹10,000 on the accused.
The accused was identified as Asham Aakash Kumar, a resident of New Mettuguda. He was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other sections of the Indian Penal Code.
The case dates back to 2019. Police said the minor victim, a college student, was stalked by Aakash Kumar, who was her senior and an acquaintance through Instagram. He gained her trust, manipulated her emotionally and captured intimate photos of her, which he later used to blackmail her for money, leading the victim to steal from her home. He continued to abuse and threaten her for a prolonged period, while sexually assaulting her.
The matter came to light when the girl’s parents, alerted by her college about her absence, questioned her. Following her disclosure, a complaint was filed at Lallaguda police station and the case was referred to the Bharosa Centre for counselling and support.
The Bharosa team provided counselling and emotional assistance to the survivor, who was initially withdrawn and fearful. Medical evidence was also collected at the centre. Police said the girl has now recovered and is pursuing Bachelor’s in Computer Science and Engineering.
Published – November 12, 2025 08:30 pm IST
