Kerala Courts Impose Heavy Sentences in Two Separate Minor Sexual Assault Cases
In a strong stance against crimes targeting minors, courts in Kerala have delivered severe punishments in two distinct sexual assault cases, underscoring the judiciary's commitment to protecting children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) Act.
30-Year Sentence for Luring and Assaulting Teenager in Tamil Nadu
A 25-year-old man, Mohammed Riyas, a native of Tiruppur in Tamil Nadu, has been sentenced to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 1 lakh for sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl. The crime occurred after Riyas befriended the minor over the phone, allegedly offering her a job and luring her from Kerala to Tiruppur in 2022. The assault took place inside a sparsely crowded cinema theatre in Tiruppur.
The judge of the fast-track Pocso court in Painavu, Idukki, delivered the verdict, ordering that the fine amount, if realized, be paid to the survivor. In case of default in payment, the convict will have to undergo an additional year of imprisonment. According to prosecution details, after the girl went missing, her father lodged a police complaint. The Marayoor police later traced the girl to Tiruppur and brought her back, with details of the assault emerging when her statement was recorded.
53-Year Sentence for Assault on 13-Year-Old in Kozhikode
In a separate case, the Nadapuram fast-track special court judge Devan K Menon sentenced Muhammed Reyhan (41) to a cumulative 53 years of imprisonment for aggravated penetrative sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. The crime occurred at her residence near Perambra, in Kozhikode, in August 2023. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2.1 lakh on the convict.
The prosecutor stated that information about the sexual assault was communicated to the child line through the girl's school teacher, who then informed the police. The police recorded the girl's statement, leading to the investigation. The accused, a hotel worker, carried out the crime while he was undergoing treatment for an injury, adding to the severity of the offense.
Judicial Emphasis on Minor Protection and Survivor Compensation
These verdicts highlight the judiciary's rigorous approach in handling cases under the Pocso Act, with courts imposing lengthy prison terms and substantial fines to deter such crimes. The emphasis on compensating survivors through fines and ensuring strict penalties for defaults reflects a broader focus on justice and rehabilitation for victims.
Both cases serve as stark reminders of the vulnerabilities faced by minors and the legal mechanisms in place to address such atrocities. The swift actions by law enforcement and child protection agencies in tracing victims and recording statements were crucial in securing convictions, demonstrating the importance of coordinated efforts in combating child sexual abuse.
