Exemplary Punishment: 142-Year Rigorous Imprisonment For Sexually Assaulting Minor

Kochi: In an exemplary punishment for a horrendous crime, a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) court in Kerala sentenced a 41-year-old man to 142 years of rigorous imprisonment and slapped a fine of Rs 5 lakh for sexually assaulting a 10-year-old child over a period of two years.

The Pocso court in Pathanamthitta said in its order that if the accused did not pay the fine, he will have to undergo another three years’ imprisonment.

A case was filed against the accused — Anandan P R alias Babu – by Tiruvalla police on March 20, 2021 for raping a 10-year-old child between 2019 and 2021 and sexually assaulting her multiple times

Babu used to stay in the same house as the child’s parents, who are related to him.

“In the case where principal Pocso prosecutor advocate Jason Mathews appeared for the prosecution, the witness statements, medical records and evidence were strong in favour of the prosecution. Harilal, who was Tiruvalla police inspector, registered the case, conducted the investigation and filed the chargesheet in court,” Pathanamthitta District police said.

“A total of 142 years of rigorous imprisonment… and a total of Rs 5 lakh has been imposed on the accused for the offences listed under Pocso,” said the district police.