A court in Tiruchirappalli (Trichy) has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a 35-year-old man to life imprisonment for the horrific abduction and sexual assault of a six-year-old Dalit girl in early 2021. The judgment underscores the judiciary's firm stance on crimes against children and marginalized communities.
Court Delivers Justice for Heinous Crime
The Trichy mahila court, presided over by Sessions Judge D Shanmugapriya, pronounced the sentence on Tuesday. The convicted individual, M Neerkathalingam, a resident of Trichy district, was found guilty of abducting the minor girl on January 31, 2021, while she was playing near her home, and subsequently sexually assaulting her.
Stringent Charges and Concurrent Sentences
The legal process saw a chargesheet filed by the police on April 2, 2021, leading to a full trial. The court imposed multiple sentences under different stringent laws:
- Life imprisonment under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act, along with a fine of Rs 2,000.
- Another life term under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, with a fine of Rs 1,000.
- 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under IPC Section 366 for kidnapping.
- One year of imprisonment under IPC Section 342 for wrongful confinement.
Each prison term carried an additional fine of Rs 1,000. The court ordered that all the sentences be served concurrently, meaning the convict will undergo life imprisonment.
Police Investigation Praised
Following the conviction, Trichy Police Commissioner N Kamini commended the Fort police team for conducting a thorough investigation that led to the successful conviction. The police's diligent work in building a solid case was crucial in securing justice for the victim and her family.
This case highlights the application of both the Pocso Act and the SC/ST Act to ensure maximum punishment for crimes that target the most vulnerable sections of society, setting a significant legal precedent in the region.
