Convicted 32-Year-Old Male Resident of Kerala Receives Lifetime Imprisonment for Raping a Mute Minor Female.
In the rolling green hills of Idukki, Kerala, a heartless monster has been brought to justice. A 32-year-old scoundrel named Antony, was sentenced to a double life sentence until his dying day, and a hefty fine of INR 3.11 lakh for brutally raping a minor girl with speech impairment.
The Painavu Fast Track Court Judge, Laijumol Sherif, served the verdict. This monstrous act of violence occurred four years ago, near the victim's residence in Idukki.
The court also prescribed that if Antony coughs up the fine, it should go towards the victim's recovery. In addition, the District Legal Services Authority was instructed to offer the victim adequate compensation.
Shockingly, the girl's statement was documented using sign language given her speech impairment. The trial court proceedings were also videographed.
According to the prosecution, Antony snatched the girl and dragged her to a tea garden near her house, where he violently raped her. When she resisted, he struck her with a stone, causing injuries to her face.
29 witnesses and 35 documents were examined during the trial.
Under the IPC and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, Antony faces serious charges. The specific provisions for cases like this often involve rigorous imprisonment for 20 years to life, or even death.
For instance, Section 5(m) of the POCSO Act punishes sexual assault on a child with a disability (like speech impairment) by someone in a position of trust or dominance with 20 years to life imprisonment and a fine. Aggravated sexual assault can lead to life imprisonment or death if it causes incapacitation or permanent damage.
The Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 376(3) and 506 also apply, with Section 376(3) punishing the rape of a girl under 16 with 20 years to life imprisonment or death, and Section 506 punishing criminal intimidation with up to 7 years' imprisonment.
- The painstaking trial proceedings of Antony's case, a man sentenced to double life imprisonment for raping a speech-impaired minor girl in Idukki, Kerala, were recorded on video.
- The accused Antony, facing charges under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, can be punished with rigorous imprisonment for 20 years to life, or even death, as specified in the Act.
- In a heart-wrenching turn of events, the victim's statement was conveyed using sign language due to her speech impairment, and the court records reflect this method.
- Despite the horrific crime-and-justice incident that took place four years ago, the District Legal Services Authority has been instructed to offer the victim adequate compensation as part of the general news and politics emerged from the trial.
