The Kerala High Court has upheld the conviction and 10-year jail term of a 47-year-old man from Alappuzha for sexually assaulting a minor girl.
Court Confirms Verdict in Child Sexual Abuse Case
Justice A Badharudeen has upheld the trial court’s decision regarding Reji, dismissing his appeal and ordering the cancellation of his bail bond. The case dates back to late 2015 when the victim disclosed the abuse to her aunt. Following this revelation, the victim’s father confronted Reji, which led to a physical altercation and a subsequent police complaint. The victim then provided a formal statement, resulting in Reji’s arrest under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
The victim initially remained silent out of fear, but the abuse continued. Addressing the defence’s claim of a personal relationship, the court observed that consent or a romantic relationship has no legal relevance when the victim is a minor. The case dates back to November 17, 2014, when the victim, then a 17-year-old student, was at her home in Veliyanadu Panchayath.
Reji dragged the girl into the courtyard, tied her hands to the root of a nearby tree, and sexually assaulted her, according to the prosecution.
The court held that the victim’s testimony was reliable and consistent.
Rejecting these arguments, Justice Badharudeen said minor discrepancies regarding description of the trees at the scene did not undermine the prosecution’s case, noting that investigation had recorded the presence of tree roots in the courtyard.
