How Mahatma Gandhi's quote in school textbook helped a child sexual predator get 100 years in jail in Kerala

The principles espoused by Mahatma Gandhi, particularly his unwavering dedication to truth, emerged as a decisive factor in the investigation of a heinous case involving the sexual abuse of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl. The culmination of this investigation resulted in a 100-year prison sentence for the accused individual.

In a legal proceeding spanning two years, the Adoor Fast Track and Special Court, situated in the Pathanamthitta district of Kerala, issued a verdict on October 11, imposing a 100-year rigorous imprisonment sentence and a fine of Rs 4 lakh on the defendant, Vinod, hailing from Punnala near Pathanapuram in the Kollam district.

Reportedly, the incident came to light through the elder sister of the victim (8). Despite being the eye-witness of the horrific incident, the girl could not tell anyone what she and her sister went through. Until she encountered a lesson in her second-grade textbook, which emphasized Gandhiji’s teaching of “never lying to anyone.” After reading that, she reportedly told the parents and subsequently a complaint was lodged with the Adoor police.

The abuse of the three and a half-year-old child took place on December 18, 2021, and the accused had also tortured the victim’s eight-year-old sister.

Judge A. Sameer delivered the verdict across five distinct sections. While the cumulative sentence amounted to 100 years, the offender is obligated to serve a minimum of 20 years. Furthermore, the court mandated that the fine imposed must be allocated to the child, and failure to meet this financial obligation would result in an additional two years of imprisonment.

The punitive measures were enacted in accordance with various sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act, specifically Section 4(2) and 3(a) of the POCSO Act, punishable by RI for 20 years and a fine of Rs. 50,000; Section 4(2) and 3(d) for 20 years and a fine of Rs. 50,000; Section 6 and 5(1) for 20 years and a fine of Rs. 1 lakh; and finally, Section 6 and 5(n) for 20 years and a fine of one lakh rupees.

In 2021, TD Prajish, who was serving as the Circle Inspector of the Adoor Police Station at the time, meticulously investigated the case and subsequently filed the charge sheet. While there were two individuals initially accused in this case, Rajamma, a close relative of Vinod, emerged as the second accused, but she was ultimately released with a cautionary advisory from the court.

Vinod is currently undergoing a trial as the primary accused in a case involving the molestation of the sister of the three-and-a-half-year-old victim.’

(With inputs from Local18)