Kerala woman, partner get 180-year jail for raping 11-year-old daughter
What's the story
A Special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Manjeri, Kerala, has sentenced a couple to 180 years of rigorous imprisonment each. The duo was convicted of the repeated sexual assault of the woman's minor girl between 2019 and 2021. The accused couple is identified as a woman and her partner, who eloped together with the woman's 11-year-old daughter to Malappuram.
Sentence details
Convicts also fined ₹11.75 lakh each
In addition to the lengthy prison term, the court also imposed a fine of ₹11.75 lakh on each convict. If they fail to pay this amount, an additional 20 months will be added to their prison term, ANI reported. "Today, the court has convicted both of the accused - 180 years of rigorous imprisonment and ₹11.75 lakh," Special Public Prosecutor Somasundaram told the news agency.
Legal proceedings
Court verdict under multiple IPC sections
The verdict was pronounced by Special POCSO Court Judge Ashraf AM under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act (JJ Act). The prosecution said that the girl's stepfather intimidated her by claiming a secret camera had been installed in her head and that any attempt to reveal the abuse would be noticed. She was also given alcohol before being assaulted.
Abuse facilitation
Case registered after complaint at Malappuram Vanitha Police Station
The first accused, the woman's partner from Palakkad, repeatedly assaulted the victim between 2019 and 2021 at rented houses in Anamangad and Vallikapatta. The second accused, the victim's mother from Thiruvananthapuram, is accused of aiding and encouraging the abuse. The case was registered after a complaint at the Malappuram Vanitha Police Station. Razia Bangalath led the investigation while Special Public Prosecutor A Somasundaran represented the prosecution.