NEYYATTINKARA: A 70-year-old man was sentenced to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually abusing a 10-year-old child. Nesamani, from Manchavilakom, was given a 17-year prison term and a fine of Rs 2 lakhs by Judge Vidyadharan of the Neyyattinkara fast-track POCSO court. If the fine is not paid, he will have to undergo additional imprisonment of six months. The victim ought to receive a fine. The incident took place in 2018. The child, who was under the care of his mother after the death of his father, went to pick papaya in the field. The accused joined the child, lured him to catch fish from the nearby stream and subjected him to unnatural sex.

Based on the complaint received by the Child Rights Commission, the committee workers went to the child's school and inquired about the incident and informed the Marayamuttam police. Special Public Prosecutor Ajit Thankaiah appeared in the case.