Sexually assaulted and impregnated 14-year-old girl; 43-year-old sentenced to life

PALAKKAD: A 43-year-old man has been sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually assaulting and impregnating a 14-year-old girl. The incident took place in Cherpulassery in Palakkad. The Pattambi POCSO Court convicted Manu Malik, also known as Manoj, a native of Karnataka, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 60,000. The verdict was delivered by Pattambi POCSO Court judge Dineshan Pillai, who directed that the fine amount be paid to the victim.

The incident occurred in 2023. The accused sexually assaulted the girl, who belongs to a Scheduled Caste community. Manu, a native of Dadi in Karnataka, had come to Palakkad in search of work. During this time, he became acquainted with the girl and sexually assaulted her. The crime came to light when the girl was taken to a hospital after she complained of stomach pain. Manu was subsequently arrested following a complaint by the family.