A Kerala court has sentenced a man to a cumulative 141 years in prison after convicting him of repeatedly abusing his stepdaughter over several years. The conviction came after an intense investigation into the crime, which occurred when the child’s mother was away from home. The verdict has sparked discussions about the legal system’s approach to such severe crimes.
The man, a resident of Tamil Nadu, had been abusing his stepdaughter since 2017, with the crimes continuing over an extended period. Following the victim’s disclosure of the abuse to her mother, the police were alerted, and an investigation was launched. The child’s brave step in revealing the truth led to the man’s arrest.
The Manjeri Fast Track Special Court, presided over by Judge Ashraf A. M., sentenced the accused to the maximum jail term of 40 years for each charge, with the total sentence amounting to 141 years. The sentences will run concurrently, ensuring that the man serves the longest possible sentence. Along with the prison term, the court imposed a fine of ₹7.85 lakh and directed compensation for the victim as part of the restitution process.
The victim’s mother, in a statement, expressed her gratitude to the legal authorities for the justice delivered. She also emphasized the importance of supporting victims of abuse, stating that her daughter’s courage to speak out has brought some measure of justice.
A police official involved in the case highlighted the severity of the crime, noting that this case underscores the need for stronger protective measures for children. “This case serves as a stark reminder of the necessity to safeguard children from such heinous acts,” the officer said.
This ruling is part of the continued efforts to address child protection and ensure justice for victims of such grave offenses under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
While the sentence provides some relief, experts agree that authorities must implement more systemic changes to prevent such incidents and ensure victims receive adequate support.
