Forcing nine-year-old girl to kiss; 54-year-old gets 14 years in prison and fine

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Punishment for the accused who forced a nine-year-old girl to kiss him. The accused is Basil alias Edison (54), a native of Vettukad, Thiruvananthapuram. Judge Anju Meera Birla ordered that the minimum five-year imprisonment under various sections should be served concurrently. The fine and compensation to be paid by the Legal Services Authority should be paid to the victim. The court sentenced Basil to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 26,000.

The incident took place at around 5.30 pm on October 20, 2024. Basil, a neighbour, was calling the child who was playing on the terrace of the house. The accused pointed to a flower pot and asked the child who came closer to pick it up. When she gave him the flower pot, the accused grabbed the child's hand and said that he would let go only if she kissed him. Basil did not let go of the child's hand even after she asked to let go. Then the child got scared and kissed Basil. The child went home crying and informed her parents. The accused ran away when he saw the victim's father coming out of the house. The police then arrested Basil.

The investigation was completed under the leadership of Valiyathura Police Sub-Inspector Jayashree and the charge sheet was submitted. 13 witnesses were examined by the prosecution and 20 documents and three pieces of evidence were presented in the court. Special Public Prosecutor R.S. Vijay Mohan and Adv. P. Surabhi appeared in the court for the prosecution.