Accused sentenced to 40 years in prison for sexually abusing sister's daughter

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court has sentenced a man to 40 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1 lakh for sexually abusing his sister's eight-year-old daughter. It was POCSO court judge MP Shibu who announced the sentence. The accused is married and has a 13-year-old daughter.

Abandoned by her father at the age of three, the girl lived with her mother and grandmother in the ancestral home. The accused, who used to come to see his mother and sister on Saturdays, used to sexually abuse the girl, his sister's daughter. One day, the girl cried and told her friend that she was afraid to stay at home on Saturdays. Following this, the child's friend informed the teacher and the school authorities complained to the police.

During the trial, the child's mother and grandmother testified in favour of the accused. Although the accused produced documents stating that he was 50 percent differently-abled and his wife was differently-abled, the court did not consider them for leniency. The child is now under the protection of the government. The court also accepted the prosecution's contention that the child should be given appropriate compensation from the government financial assistance fund.