KOCHI: The Ernakulam POCSO Court sentenced Biju Francis (41) of Vattathra house, Njarackal, Veliyathamparambu beach to life imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5.50 lakh in the case of repeatedly molesting an 11-year-old girl. The accused was found guilty under ten sections of POCSO and the Indian Penal Code. The punishment is life imprisonment in four sections and 15 years imprisonment in six sections. Although the sentences can be served concurrently, the verdict has highlighted that Biju should spend the rest of his life in jail. The fine should be paid to the girl. Apart from this, the judgment of POCSO Court Judge K Soman also ordered the District Legal Service Authority to take action to get compensation for the girl.

According to the chargesheet, the girl was sexually assaulted by the accused several times between August 2018 and January 2019. The incident came to light when the girl complained. The accused, who was close to the girl's mother, took advantage of this and abused the child. The court said that such an incident is extremely cruel and that is why severe punishment is imposed.

A sentence of four life terms is rare in such cases. It is also pointed out that this is the highest punishment in recent POCSO cases. The girl's mother is the second accused. The trial in Biju Francis' case was completed by dividing the charge sheet as the girl's mother was abroad. He was also accused in a case of smuggling cannabis oil into jail after he was arrested in the molestation case. A team headed by Sibi Tom and Sylvester, CIs of Palluruthi, completed the investigation in the molestation case and issued the charge sheet. Adv PA Bindu and Adv Sarun Mankara appeared for the prosecution.