1. Heard learned counsel for the appellant, learned counsel for the informant as well as learned Additional Public Prosecutor for the State.

2. This appeal has been preferred for setting aside of the judgment of conviction dated 23.08.2018 (hereinafter referred to as the 'impugned judgment') and order of sentence dated 24.08.2018 ( hereinafter referred to as the 'impugned order') passed by learned Additional Judge - I - cum - Special Judge, Sexual Offences Act, (POCSO), Munger (hereinafter referred to as the 'learned trial court') in Dharhara P.S. Case No. 42 of 2017, G.R. No. 707 of 2017, POCSO Case No. 09 of 2017 whereby and whereunder the appellant has been convicted for the offence under S.376 of the Indian Penal Code (in short 'IPC') and S.3 / 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (in short 'POCSO Act') and he has been ordered to undergo rigorous imprisonment for life with a fine of Rs.25,000/- under S.376, IPC and rigorous imprisonment for life with a fine of Rs.25,000/- under S.4 of the POCSO Act. In default of payment of fine, he has to undergo further imprisonment for six months. Both the sentences are to run concurrently.

3. Prosecution Case
The presen