A fast-track special court in Thiruvananthapuram has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing a 40-year-old man to a staggering 83 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of his 11-year-old niece. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the convict, identified as Manu.
Court's Stern Verdict and Financial Penalty
Special court Judge Anju Meera Birla pronounced the sentence on Tuesday. The court made it clear that failure to pay the Rs 1 lakh fine would result in an additional four years of imprisonment for the convict. The judge directed that the fine amount, along with any compensation awarded by the legal services authority, be paid directly to the survivor to support her recovery and future.
Chronology of a Heinous Crime
The horrific incident dates back to April 2021. The crime occurred when Manu's wife was admitted to the hospital for childbirth. During this period, his 11-year-old niece, who studied with his own daughter, was staying at their family home.
On the day of the assault, the survivor was sleeping next to the convict's daughter. Manu moved his own daughter aside and sexually assaulted the minor girl. Shockingly, he repeated the assault later the same day while the girl was playing with his daughter.
How the Crime Came to Light
Traumatised and frightened, the young girl initially did not disclose the horrific incidents she endured. The truth only emerged later during a counselling session at her school, where she felt safe enough to share her ordeal. This highlights the critical role of school support systems in identifying and addressing child abuse.
The prosecution was led by Special Public Prosecutor R S Vijay Mohan. The investigation was handled diligently by Medical College Circle Inspector P Harilal and Sub-Inspector Priya A L.
This severe sentence from the Thiruvananthapuram fast-track court sends a powerful message about the zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against children, especially those involving betrayal of trust within the family.
