Youth sentenced to 25 years in prison for raping girl after abduction, semen on girl's underwear linked him to crime

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A court has sentenced a youth, who abducted and raped a 15-year-old girl, to 25 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 60,000. Noufal (22), a native of Perumpuram in Vattapara in Kollam was sentenced by the Thiruvananthapuram Fasttrack Court.

If the fine is not paid, he will face an additional time of up to a year and six months in prison. The case was filed in February 2021 and the verdict was pronounced after completing the proceedings within a year.

The accused met the girl, a 10th class student, through Instagram. He went to the girl's house pretending to give her a book and introduced himself to the family. Taking advantage of this acquaintance, the accused arrived at the girl's home at one o'clock in the morning on November 1, 2020, and asked her to open the door. When she refused, the accused threatened to call the locals and insult her. Fearing this, the girl opened the door and Noufal entered the house and abused her. He threatened to kill her if she reveal this to her family. After this, the accused repeatedly forced her to have sexual intercourse, but the girl refused. Then, on the morning of November 30, the accused came to the front of the girl's house and demanded her to open the door.

When she opened the door, the accused forced the girl to get onto his bike and took her to a resort on Monroe Island. There, he gave her an ice cream laced with intoxicants and raped her. The girl's mother lodged a complaint with the Medical College Police following her disappearance. Police arrested the man from Monroe Island. The girl was also there with him. Scientific examination of the girl's underwear revealed traces of semen. DNA testing revealed that the sperm belonged to the accused.

Special Public Prosecutor RS Vijay Mohan appeared for the prosecution. Medical College CIP Harilal investigated the case and filed a chargesheet. The court also ordered the fine be paid to the girl and the government to give compensation.