Idukki man gets 24-yr RI for sexual assault of minor

Idukki: A 44-year-old man was sentenced to 24 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) in connection with the sexual assault of a five-year-old girl in 2024. The sentence was pronounced by Idukki Pocso fast track court judge Noble D S. The judge also imposed a fine of Rs 2.20 lakh on the convict Rajesh, a native of Pasuppara in Vagamon. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred when the child's mother had gone for work. As the child was unwell, she was left in the care of the accused's daughter. After the accused's daughter fell asleep, Rajesh allegedly returned home and sexually assaulted the child. The matter came to light after the child informed her parents, following which a police complaint was lodged. The court also ordered an additional 10 months' imprisonment if the fine is not paid. If remitted, the fine amount should be given to the victim, the court said. The court further recommended the district legal services authority to provide adequate compensation to the child.