Astrologer Receives 200-Year Sentence for Sexual Assault Under Pocso Act in Sivaganga
In a landmark verdict, the special court dedicated to Pocso Act cases in Sivaganga, Madurai, has convicted and sentenced an astrologer for sexually assaulting two minor girls in the district in 2021. The court delivered its judgment on Monday, imposing severe penalties on the perpetrator.
Details of the Case and Assault
The prosecution outlined that a woman took her two daughters, aged 18 and 14, to astrologer Ramakrishnan, seeking his help to improve their academic performance. Ramakrishnan assured the mother that he would perform specific rituals at his residence to enhance the girls' studies. He then escorted the minor girls to his house, instructing the mother to wait in one room while he took the girls to another.
In that isolated room, Ramakrishnan sexually assaulted both girls and threatened them to keep silent about the incidents. The assault remained hidden for two years until the girls fell ill, prompting their mother to take them to a hospital for medical attention.
Discovery and Legal Proceedings
During the hospital examination, doctors conducted tests that revealed both girls had contracted a sexually transmitted disease. This medical finding led the girls to disclose the sexual assault by the astrologer. Following this revelation, the mother filed a formal complaint with the authorities.
The all-women police station in Sivaganga registered a case under the Pocso Act and subsequently arrested Ramakrishnan. Police submitted a detailed report to the court, initiating the legal process that culminated in the recent conviction.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Sessions Judge R Gokul Murugan presided over the case and found Ramakrishnan guilty of the charges. The judge sentenced him to undergo 200 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of 2 lakh rupees. Additionally, the court ordered the government to pay compensation of 10 lakh rupees to each of the victims, aiming to support their recovery and future well-being.
This case highlights the critical role of the Pocso Act in protecting minors and ensuring justice for survivors of sexual abuse. The severe sentence serves as a deterrent and underscores the legal system's commitment to addressing such heinous crimes effectively.
