In a stern verdict, the District Mahila Court in Coimbatore has handed down a decade of rigorous imprisonment to a 26-year-old man for the horrific sexual assault of an 85-year-old woman and the theft of her gold chain. The court delivered its judgment on Saturday, bringing a measure of justice in a case that shocked the local community of Sulur.
The Heinous Crime and Swift Arrest
The disturbing incident dates back to November 20, 2024. The convict, identified as A Sahul Hameed, a resident of Sulur, entered the farmhouse of the elderly victim while she was preparing her dinner. In a premeditated act, he locked the door from inside before committing the rape. Adding to the brutality, he snatched her gold chain weighing five sovereigns before fleeing the scene.
The assailant's cruelty was further amplified by his attempt to intimidate the survivor. He video-recorded the criminal act and threatened to circulate the footage on social media platforms if she disclosed the incident to anyone. Despite this threat, the brave octogenarian informed her family members. Following this, her son approached the Sulur police and lodged a formal complaint.
Police Investigation and Court Trial
Acting promptly on the complaint, the police registered a case and launched an investigation. Their efforts led to the arrest of Sahul Hameed on November 24, 2024, just four days after the crime. A thorough chargesheet was subsequently filed before the District Mahila Court, where the trial proceedings were held.
The prosecution's case was represented by Special Public Prosecutor B Jisha. After examining the evidence and hearing arguments, Judge V Sundarraj pronounced the verdict on Saturday. The judge found the accused guilty of all charges, leading to the significant sentence.
Court's Verdict and Compensation for Survivor
Judge V Sundarraj sentenced A Sahul Hameed to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a fine of Rs 1,500 on the convict. Recognizing the profound trauma inflicted upon the elderly survivor, the judge also made a crucial recommendation. He advised the government to provide compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the rape survivor, acknowledging her need for support and rehabilitation.
This verdict underscores the judiciary's firm stance against crimes targeting vulnerable sections of society, especially women and the elderly. It sends a strong message about the severe consequences of such predatory acts while highlighting the importance of a swift legal process.
