Former Temple Priest Sentenced to Life for Sexual Assault Under Ritual Pretext
An additional sessions court in Thiruvananthapuram delivered a landmark verdict on Saturday, sentencing a former temple priest to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old girl in 2019. The heinous crime was committed under the deceptive guise of performing rituals to ward off evil spirits, exploiting the family's trust and religious beliefs.
Details of the Case and Court Judgment
Judge Shibu M P imposed the life sentence along with a fine of Rs 2 lakh on the convict, identified as Binesh, a 45-year-old native of Ernakulam. The court's decision underscores the severity of the offense and serves as a stern warning against such predatory acts masked by religious practices.
According to police investigations, the survivor's mother had initially approached Binesh seeking a ritual to alleviate her daughter's exam-related anxiety. The accused manipulated the situation by falsely claiming that the child was possessed by an evil spirit, thereby necessitating special rituals. This deceitful narrative allowed him to gain unsupervised access to the minor.
Modus Operandi and Discovery of the Crime
Binesh took the girl to the temple's pooja room on multiple occasions, where he sexually assaulted her using wooden dolls as part of the fabricated rituals. The crime remained hidden until the victim bravely confided in a doctor during a mental health camp, revealing the traumatic abuse she had endured.
Acting swiftly on this critical information, then Thiruvallam SI K L Sampath conducted a raid on the pooja room. During the operation, authorities seized 51 wooden dolls, which served as crucial evidence linking the accused to the assaults. The prosecution, led by public prosecutor Kattaikonam J K Ajith Prasa, built a strong case based on forensic findings and the survivor's testimony.
Broader Implications and Legal Context
This case highlights the alarming exploitation of vulnerable individuals under the pretext of spiritual healing, a pattern that has been observed in various regions. The court's verdict emphasizes the legal system's commitment to protecting children and holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their societal or religious positions.
The imposition of a life sentence and substantial fine reflects the judiciary's zero-tolerance approach towards crimes against minors, particularly those involving breach of trust and psychological manipulation. It also underscores the importance of mental health interventions, as the camp where the victim spoke out played a pivotal role in uncovering the truth.
Authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant against such fraudulent practices and to report any suspicious activities to law enforcement. This ruling is expected to set a precedent for similar cases, reinforcing the need for stringent measures to prevent abuse in religious or therapeutic settings.
