Kerala Court Hands Down 161-Year Sentence to Teacher for Molesting Autistic Student
A fast-track special court in Thiruvananthapuram has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing a 56-year-old teacher to 161 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 87,000 for repeatedly molesting a 10-year-old boy with autism in 2019. The judgment underscores the judiciary's firm stance on crimes against vulnerable children.
Details of the Case and Conviction
Judge Anju Meera Birla found the accused, a resident of Paudikonam who taught at the survivor's school, guilty under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act. The cumulative sentence totals 161 years, but the judge clarified that the convict will serve a maximum of 20 years in prison, which is the longest individual term among the concurrent sentences. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional eight-and-a-half years of imprisonment.
Background of the Abuse
The abuse occurred in July 2019 at a school in Thiruvananthapuram, the state capital. The boy, a native of Kannur, was studying in the third grade while staying in the city for therapy. According to the prosecution, the teacher exploited the child's autism condition and assaulted him multiple times inside a school bathroom.
Discovery and Investigation
The boy's mother grew suspicious when he suddenly began exhibiting distress, despite having shown significant improvement during his therapy. She also noticed injuries on his body. Unable to articulate the trauma verbally due to his condition, the child disclosed the assaults through drawings and writings in his personal book.
- The matter was eventually narrated to his speech therapist and reported to the police.
- On the instructions of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), police formed a special three-member panel, including a doctor from Thiruvananthapuram Mental Health Centre, to formally record the child's statement.
- Special public prosecutor R S Vijay Mohan represented the prosecution.
- The investigation was led by narcotics cell assistant commissioner Sheen Tharayil, Srikaryam inspector Abhilash David, and sub-inspector R Biju.
Compensation and Legal Measures
In addition to the sentence, the court directed the Legal Services Authority to provide compensation to the survivor, highlighting the importance of support for victims in such heinous cases. This verdict serves as a stern warning against the exploitation of children, especially those with disabilities, and reinforces the effectiveness of fast-track courts in delivering justice.
