Man gets 20 years RI for sexually assaulting minor

T'puram: Attingal fast track court on Wednesday sentenced a 29-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 4 lakh for raping a Class 10 student on the pretext of love and promise of marriage.The accused identified as Srihari, of Kilimanoor village, was found guilty of sexually assaulting the minor in 2019. The court, presided over by Judge C R Bijukumar, also ordered that the accused undergo an additional 16 months of imprisonment if the fine is not paid. According to the prosecution, the accused, who was already married, developed a relationship with the girl, misled her with assurances of marriage and sexually exploited her, resulting in pregnancy. The case was registered by Kilimanoor police, who carried out the investigation and collected scientific evidence. Forensic findings, submitted by assistant director Shafeeka, played a key role in establishing the offence. The chargesheet was filed by Attingal DSP T Jayakumar. Special public prosecutor U Salimsha and advocate Neelima R Krishnan appeared for the prosecution. The court, after examining the evidence and witness statements, found the accused guilty and awarded the sentence.