Nilgiris Mahila Court Delivers 20-Year Sentence in Minor Rape Case
In a significant verdict, the Nilgiris mahila court has sentenced a 28-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting and impregnating a 16-year-old girl, who happens to be his wife's sister. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the convict and recommended a compensation of Rs 2 lakh for the victim.
Details of the Crime and Investigation
The accused, who worked as a laborer in a tea estate in Kotagiri, Nilgiris district, committed the crime in March 2021. He traveled to Salem, where the minor girl was studying and staying in a hostel. After speaking to the hostel warden, he brought her to Kotagiri under false pretenses.
Upon arrival, the man proposed marriage to the girl. When she refused, he resorted to threats, warning that he would abandon her sister if she did not comply. Subsequently, he sexually assaulted her and raped her multiple times over a period.
Discovery and Legal Proceedings
The case came to light on June 30, 2021, when the girl fell ill and was admitted to Kotagiri Government Hospital. During the medical examination, doctors discovered that she was pregnant. Following this revelation, a case was promptly registered at the Coonoor all women police station.
Investigations conducted by the police confirmed that the perpetrator was none other than the girl's sister's husband. The evidence gathered during the probe led to his arrest and subsequent trial.
Court Verdict and Sentencing
Mahila court judge M Senthilkumar presided over the case and delivered the verdict on Tuesday. The judge found the accused guilty of rape and impregnation of a minor, emphasizing the severity of the crime.
The court sentenced the man to 20 years in prison, highlighting the need for stringent punishment in such cases to deter future offenses. In addition to the imprisonment, the fine of Rs 10,000 was imposed, and a recommendation was made for the victim to receive Rs 2 lakh as compensation for the trauma and suffering endured.
Public prosecutor P Senthilkumar represented the prosecution in the case, ensuring that justice was served for the minor victim.
