A special court sentenced a 36-year-old driver to two years' imprisonment for stalking and sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl (Image generated using AI).A special court in Surat recently sentenced a 36-year-old man to two years of simple imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 for repeatedly stalking and sexually harassing a 17-year-old girl while she was on her way to tuition classes.The incident dates back to December 17, 2024, when the girl was walking home from her evening tuition classes. As she passed near a garden, Rajkumar Nayak, a driver, allegedly stalked her and made lewd remarks.Delivering the judgment on July 18, Special Judge H M Vyas observed, “It is proved beyond doubt… that the accused did not know the victim or her parents before the incident… The accused used sexual language with the victim in a manner that she could hear, and taking advantage of her loneliness, held her hand, touched her, and committed the crime of sexual harassment. It is also proved beyond doubt that the accused had the intention to commit the crime.”The court further noted that the accused pursued the girl despite knowing she was not interested and did not consent. “The accused committed the above criminal act with a child below 18 years of age… Considering the seriousness of the crime proven and its impact, it seems appropriate to punish the accused in a way that makes him understand the gravity of his offence. It is necessary to impose a punishment proportional to the crime,” the judge held.Also Read | Bengaluru delivery agent arrested for forcibly entering flat and sexually harassing womanArguing for the prosecution, Assistant Public Prosecutor V L Faldu submitted that such behaviour poses a danger to society. “Such roadside harassment is rising. Strict punishment would set an example in society so that nobody dares to commit such an act,” Faldu argued.In defence, advocate R M Patel pleaded for leniency, stating that Nayak is a married man and the sole breadwinner for his family.Speaking to The Indian Express, Faldu expressed satisfaction with the verdict, “We are very much satisfied with the order… This order will set an example in society, where many such crimes go unreported, and instil fear in the minds of offenders.”Defence lawyer Patel said they would review the detailed order before deciding whether to file an appeal in a higher court.Story continues below this adAfter the girl narrated the first stalking incident to her family, her father decided to discreetly follow her to ensure her safety. On December 19, 2024, the accused allegedly stalked the girl again.Unaware that her father was nearby, he allegedly intercepted her and made indecent advances. The girl raised an alarm, prompting her father to intervene, but the accused managed to flee the spot. Distressed by the repeated harassment, the girl locked herself in her room and refused to meet anyone.Also Read | 2 IPS trainees, harassment complaint, ‘suicide’ attempt: Case that rocked Hyderabad police academyOn December 20, 2024, the girl’s mother filed a complaint at the Umra police station, identifying the suspect as Rajkumar Nayak. The police charged him with sexual harassment and 78(2) stalking, along with relevant sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.Nayak was arrested on the day the FIR was filed and remanded in judicial custody at Surat Central Jail. He was later granted bail on January 6, 2025. During the trial, the prosecution examined eight witnesses and submitted 13 documentary evidence files. Charges were framed on September 3, 2025.Kamal Saiyed is a senior Correspondent for The Indian Express, providing extensive, on-the-ground coverage from Surat and the broader South Gujarat region and the Union territories of Daman, Diu & Dadra Nagar Haveli. With a reporting career at the publication spanning back to 2007, he has established himself as a high-authority voice on the industrial, social, and political pulse of one of India’s fastest-growing urban hubs. Expertise Industrial & Economic Beat: Based in the "Diamond City," Saiyed offers expert reporting on the diamond and textile industries. His work tracks global market shifts (such as De Beers production changes), local trade policies, and the socio-economic challenges facing the millions of workers in Surat’s manufacturing hubs. Civic & Infrastructure Coverage: He consistently reports on urban development and public safety in Surat, including: Traffic & Urban Planning: Monitoring the city's 13-fold increase in traffic violations and the implementation of new municipal drives. Public Safety: Investigative reporting on infrastructure failures, fire safety NOC compliance in schools and commercial buildings, and Metro rail progress. Political Reporting: Tracking the shifting dynamics between the BJP, Congress, and AAP in South Gujarat and the neighboring Union Territories (Daman, Diu, and Dadra & Nagar Haveli). Crime beat: Armed with a good source network Saiyed has been able to bring out the human side of crime stories in his region ... Read More Tags:sexual harassmentSurat