Four death sentences to preacher in POCSO cases
A special POCSO court in Tamil Nadu has sentenced a preacher to death for the sexual assault of four minor girls. The court also ordered the state government to provide significant financial compensation to the victims.
Why it matters
The ruling underscores the strict judicial enforcement of child protection laws in India and the state's responsibility in victim rehabilitation.
The Special Court for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases in the district has awarded four death sentences to a preacher who sexually assaulted four minor girls in 2022.
According to prosecution, S. Abraham, 50, a preacher who was running a prayer hall at Mela Ilanthaikulam near Thevarkulam, sexually assaulted four minor girls under the pretext of taking moral classes during vacation. The girls narrated their ordeal to their parents, who filed complaints with Tirunelveli Rural All Women Police.
POCSO Special Court Magistrate Suresh Kumar on Thursday awarded four death sentences to Abraham and imposed a fine of ₹52,000. The Magistrate also directed the Tamil Nadu Government to pay compensation of ₹10 lakh to each victim.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in