In a significant verdict, a special fast-track court in Thiruvananthapuram has delivered a stern sentence in a disturbing case of impersonation and assault. The court convicted a 35-year-old man, identified as Vishnu of Medical College, for posing as a police officer, kidnapping, and sexually assaulting two minor girls who had run away from a government home.
The Court's Verdict and Sentence
Presiding over the case, Special Fast-Track Court Judge Anju Meera Birla pronounced the sentence on Monday. The convict, Vishnu, was handed seven years of rigorous imprisonment. In addition to the prison term, the judge imposed a hefty fine of Rs 65,000. The court directed that the fine amount be paid to the victim as compensation. Furthermore, the judge instructed the legal services authority to provide additional compensation to the child victim, acknowledging the trauma endured.
Chilling Details of the November 2022 Incident
The harrowing sequence of events unfolded on November 5, 2022. Two 15-year-old girls, who had fled from a government-run children's home intending to meet a friend near the Medical College area, were approached by Vishnu. Exploiting their vulnerable state, he falsely claimed to be a police officer and began questioning them.
Frightened by his demeanor, the girls attempted to run away. However, Vishnu pursued them on a scooter, stopped them, and coerced them onto his vehicle. He manipulated them by promising to help them avoid a runaway case if they complied with his instructions. He then took the terrified minors to a nearby lodge.
At the lodge, Vishnu sexually assaulted one of the girls. The court noted that he even promised to marry her after she initially resisted his advances. Exhausted and traumatized, the other girl fell asleep during this assault. The next morning, Vishnu dropped the girls at Medical College Junction, deceitfully assuring them he would return after sorting out matters related to their escape from the home. He then vanished.
Investigation and Path to Justice
Meanwhile, authorities at the children's home filed a missing report with the police after discovering the girls' absence. Police officers later located the two girls near the Museum area. Upon taking their detailed statements, the officers uncovered the full extent of the horrifying assault. This led to a swift investigation, the collection of evidence, and the eventual arrest and charging of Vishnu.
The case was then tried in the special fast-track court, which is designed to expedite justice in sensitive cases. Judge Anju Meera Birla's ruling underscores the judiciary's firm stance against crimes targeting children and the serious view taken of impersonating law enforcement officials to commit such heinous acts.
The sentence serves as a strong message about the consequences of preying on vulnerable minors and undermining public trust in the police force through impersonation.
