Cleaner sentenced to 43 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting 12-year-old girl in Thiruvananthapuram

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court in Thiruvananthapuram has sentenced a man to 43 years of rigorous imprisonment in a case involving the sexual assault of a 12-year-old girl. The Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court sentenced Rajan (56), a native of Venganoor, to 43 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 40,000. If the fine is not paid, he will have to undergo an additional three months in jail. The verdict was delivered by Judge Anju Meera Birla. The court also ordered that the fine amount and the compensation provided by the Legal Services Authority be given to the survivor. During the trial, 13 witnesses were examined, and the police produced 34 documents and five material objects before the court.

The incident took place between September 30 and October 15, 2021, at a hostel building in Thiruvananthapuram city. Rajan was working as a cleaner at the hostel. Taking advantage of moments when no one was around, he lured the girl by offering sweets and took her to the restroom, where he sexually assaulted her.

After the first sexual assault, the accused threatened the child, and out of fear, she did not report the incident. However, when the abuse continued a second time, another person happened to see them together. Noticing the child’s distress, the person inquired the child about the matter, which led to the disclosure of the assault.