The Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court on Friday (November 28, 2025) sentenced a 41-year-old man to 78 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹4.75 lakh for repeatedly sexually assaulting his 13-year-old stepdaughter.
Special Judge Anju Meera Birla pronounced the sentence. The court ruled that failure to pay the fine will result in an additional four-and-a-half years of imprisonment. The court also directed that the fine amount be handed over to the survivor, and further instructed the District Legal Services Authority to provide appropriate compensation.
According to the prosecution led by special public prosecutor R.S. Vijay Mohan, the incident occurred in 2023 under the Fort police station limits, when the child was studying in seventh grade. After separating from her first husband, the child’s mother entered into a relationship with the accused and later married him. A few months into the marriage, the man began sexually abusing the girl on multiple occasions.
The survivor did not reveal the ordeal to anyone initially after the accused threatened her to remain silent. The abuse came to light when the girl’s younger brother witnessed one such incident and informed their mother. When confronted, the accused not only denied responsibility, but also brutally assaulted the mother. A police complaint was filed following the incident.
The court rejected the accused’s plea for leniency, considering the grave nature of the crime. The prosecution examined 17 witnesses, and presented 28 documents and five material objects. The investigation was led by Fort Circle Inspector Rakesh J.
Published – November 28, 2025 08:16 pm IST
