'Sisters faced brutal sexual torture from grandmother's partner, no mercy'

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A 63-year-old accused in two separate cases of molesting a nine-year-old girl and her six-year-old sister was sentenced to two life terms and a fine of Rs 60,000 each. This wouldn’t have happened if not for the valiant efforts of the prosecution.

Special POCSO Court Judge R. Rekha said in the judgment that the two children endured a life similar to prison for six months. The statement said that the accused deprived the victims of their childhood and deserved no mercy.

The relevant incidents took place in 2020 and 2021. The victims were brought under the care of their grandmother after their parents abandoned them. The grandmother, estranged from her husband, was in a living together relationship with the accused. Whenever the lady went out, the accused took a chance to molest the two children. The six months of torture took a heavy toll on the victims and also left their private parts bruised. One day, the incident came to light when a neighbour saw the horrendous act through their door. Alarm bells were raised after this.

The children’s mother has not contacted them since she moved to Dubai for work. Their father also does not care to look after them. It was upon the grandmother to single-handedly take care of the two girls. Even the trial had to be stopped at times as the girls burst into tears unable to unravel the torture. At first, the girl refused to testify after her father told her not to embarrass him.

The prosecution examined 20 witnesses. All 22 documents were produced. Special Public Prosecutor R. S. Vijay Mohanan appeared in the case.