Kerala Court Imposes 120-Year Sentence for Repeated Sexual Assault of Minor
A fast-track special court in Kollam, Kerala, delivered a landmark verdict on Wednesday, sentencing a 77-year-old man to 120 years of rigorous imprisonment for the repeated sexual assault of a minor girl over a two-year period. The court also imposed a substantial fine of Rs 6 lakh on the accused, identified as Nelson from Perinad village.
Details of the Heinous Crime
According to the prosecution, the accused brutally sexually assaulted the 10-year-old victim on multiple occasions between 2020 and 2022. The abuse came to light after the survivor's teacher noticed something amiss and intervened, leading to an investigation. The charges revealed that Nelson would give alcohol to the girl's father when he was on his way to work, creating an opportunity to assault the child. This pattern of abuse continued relentlessly for two years, causing severe trauma to the young victim.
Court's Compassionate Ruling and Compensation
In its ruling, the court recognized the profound trauma suffered by the child and directed the district legal services authority to provide her with compensation from the victim compensation scheme. This move aims to support the survivor's recovery and future well-being, emphasizing the judicial system's commitment to protecting vulnerable minors.
The case underscores the critical role of vigilant educators and the legal system in combating child sexual abuse. The stringent sentence serves as a deterrent and highlights the severity with which such crimes are treated in India.
