Crime News: In a significant judgment, a fast-track court in Malappuram, Kerala, has sentenced a stepfather to 40 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly assaulting his minor stepdaughter over several years. While the convict was cumulatively sentenced to 141 years under the POCSO Act, Indian Penal Code, and Juvenile Justice Act, the law mandates serving the maximum sentence of 40 years. Additionally, the court imposed a fine of ₹7.85 lakh on the convict.Years of Abuse Finally ReportedThe victim, now a teenager, disclosed that the abuse began in 2017 and continued until she confided in a friend, who encouraged her to inform her mother. The victim revealed that her stepfather repeatedly threatened to kill her and her mother if she spoke out, leading to years of silence. Following her disclosure, the family approached the police, and an investigation ensued, culminating in this landmark ruling.The presiding judge, Ashraf AM, issued the sentence under multiple legal provisions to address the gravity of the crimes. Although the cumulative imprisonment amounted to 141 years, the law allows only the longest sentence, 40 years, to be served. This ruling highlights the judiciarys firm stance on protecting minors and delivering justice in cases of sexual assault.Familys BackgroundThe family, originally from Tamil Nadu, was residing temporarily in Malappuram at the time of the crime. Local authorities confirmed that the convict exploited the familys vulnerability and subjected the minor to years of abuse. This judgment serves as a stern warning against such heinous acts and reaffirms the judiciarys commitment to safeguarding children. It also underscores the importance of reporting crimes to ensure justice for victims.
