In a significant judgment, the POCSO fast-track court in Manjeri has sentenced a madrasa teacher to 86 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 4.5 lakh for the rape of a 12-year-old girl in Vengara, Malappuram district. The convict, Jabir Ali, was found guilty under multiple sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The incident took place on the morning of April 21, 2022. Jabir Ali, a teacher at a local madrasa, sexually assaulted the child inside the bathroom of the institution. The survivor disclosed the ordeal to her elder upon reaching home at 8:30 a.m ., breaking down in tears. The family immediately alerted the authorities.
The Malappuram Women Police registered a case under the POCSO Act and arrested the accused shortly after the incident was reported. A detailed chargesheet was filed upon completion of the investigation. During the trial, the court examined 19 witnesses, including the child survivor, medical experts, investigating officers, and other key witnesses. The court found the evidence to be consistent and credible.
Delivering the verdict, the court sentenced Jabir Ali to 86 years of rigorous imprisonment under various sections of the POCSO Act, including provisions for aggravated sexual assault. The sentences will run concurrently. The court also imposed a fine of ₹4.5 lakh, which will be used for the rehabilitation and welfare of the child survivor. The convict has been transferred to Tavanur jail to serve his sentence.
This verdict comes as a strong message against crimes targeting children in Madrasas under the pretext of religious rights and has been welcomed by child rights activists and legal experts.
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