In a harrowing incident in Chennai earlier this year, the swift and courageous action of two neighbours led to the rescue of a nine-year-old girl from a sexual assault and culminated in a 15-year rigorous imprisonment for the perpetrator. The case underscores the critical role community vigilance can play in protecting children.
Alert Neighbour Spots Suspicious Activity
The chain of events unfolded on a March evening around 10:30 PM in a Chennai neighbourhood. A 19-year-old woman, seated on her balcony sofa, observed her 60-year-old neighbour, Syed Shalibran, leading a minor girl into his house. Minutes later, Shalibran stepped out and looked directly up at her balcony, seemingly checking if she was still watching. This alarming gesture made the young woman realize something was terribly wrong.
She immediately alerted her aunt. Without hesitation, the duo rushed to Shalibran's house and knocked on the door. When there was no response but they heard a girl screaming from inside, they took the decisive step of breaking the door open. Inside, they found Shalibran sexually assaulting the child. Their intervention brought the assault to an abrupt halt.
Investigation Reveals Predatory Lure
Based on the complaint filed by the neighbours, the Chennai city police took Syed Shalibran into custody. Special Public Prosecutor S Anitha detailed the predator's method during the trial. Shalibran had spotted the child when he stepped out to dispose of garbage. He lured her by promising money and then forcibly took her to his home, shutting the door behind them.
The court records revealed the survivor was a nine-year-old girl from Nepal, studying in Class III. Her father worked as a security guard in Santhome, and on that fateful night, she was under her grandmother's care. The medical examination conducted later confirmed the sexual assault.
Court Delivers Sentence and Recommends Reward for Heroes
The special court dedicated to trying cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act found Syed Shalibran guilty on multiple charges. On November 17, Judge S Padma sentenced him to a total of 15 years of rigorous imprisonment. The sentence comprised seven years for aggravated sexual assault, seven years for kidnapping, and one year for wrongful confinement.
Recognizing the profound trauma inflicted on the young survivor, the court directed that a compensation of ₹1,50,000 be awarded to her. In a significant move, Judge Padma also recommended the District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) to give a cash reward to the two brave neighbours. Their timely intervention not only stopped the crime but also enabled the immediate rescue of the child and ensured strong evidence for a conviction.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the evils lurking within communities but also powerfully highlights how citizen alertness and courage can be the strongest shield for the vulnerable.
