Kerala man sentenced to triple life sentences for sexually assaulting minor daughter

Thiruvananthapuram (Kerala) [India], May 1 : A special fast-track court in Thiruvananthapuram sentenced a man to triple life sentences, 21 years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 90,000 for sexually assaulting his six-year-old daughter.
"If the accused fails to pay the fine amount, he has to stay an extra year in jail," said the court.
The court said that the defendant's credibility as a father is tarnished. The father who was supposed to protect his daughter has committed a heinous crime.
"Such an act can never be justified. A child's childhood is lost through such abuse, which can never be justified," the court added.
Judge R Rekha has expressed in the verdict that the accused who dared to do such a heinous act should be put in bars.
The trial followed the incident in July 2023, highlighting the judicial commitment to justice and the importance of safeguarding children from abuse.
The minor's mother used to work in the Gulf, and she lived in the house of the accused with her grandmother (mother's mother).
He molested the child during the days when the child stayed at his home. After the minor complained about some health issues, her grandmother took the minor to a private hospital where she revealed to the doctor about her father's act.
Following the doctor's instructions, the family complained to the Valiyathura Police. The minor's 15-year-old sister testified in court that the father used to behave inappropriately when he came home drunk.
Three life sentences were awarded under the three sections of assaulting the minor more than once, assaulting a child under the age of 12, and the father who is responsible for protecting the child assaulting the child.
He was sentenced for each of the offences under sections 5(l) (penetrative sexual assault on a child repeatedly), 5(m) (penetrative sexual assault on a child below 12 years) and 5(n) (sexual assault of child by a relative through blood or adoption..) of the POCSO Act.
The father was also additionally sentenced to varying sentences under various provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and the IPC for a total of 21 years.
The trial started on March 29, 2024, and was completed within a month. The prosecution produced 17 witnesses and 19 documents. The court also ordered that the minor be compensated by the District Legal Service Authority.