A special POCSO court in Tirunelveli has sentenced a preacher to death on four separate counts for the sexual assault of four minor girls in 2022.

  • Convicted preacher S. Abraham received four death sentences for separate POCSO offenses.
  • The accused exploited his position as a preacher to assault minors under the guise of moral classes.
  • The court ordered ₹10 lakh compensation for each victim to be paid by the Tamil Nadu government.

In a landmark judgment that underscores the judiciary's zero-tolerance policy towards crimes against children, a special POCSO Court in Tirunelveli has sentenced a 50-year-old preacher, S. Abraham, to death on four separate counts. The convictions stem from the sexual assault of four minor girls in 2022.

According to the prosecution, Abraham operated a prayer hall near Mela Ilanthaikulam. He allegedly lured the minor girls into his trap by offering 'moral classes' during their school vacations. The harrowing ordeal came to light when the victims confided in their parents, leading to formal complaints filed with the Tirunelveli Rural All Women Police. The accused was subsequently arrested on July 5, 2022.

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Judicial Mandate and Compensation

POCSO Special Court Magistrate Suresh Kumar delivered the verdict on Thursday, awarding four death sentences and imposing a fine of ₹52,000 on the convict. Beyond the punishment, the Magistrate took a proactive stance on victim rehabilitation by directing the Tamil Nadu Government to provide ₹10 lakh in compensation to each of the four victims.

The imposition of capital punishment in multiple counts serves as a powerful deterrent against predators who abuse positions of trust.

Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Balasubramanian Shastri lauded the investigative team, noting that their meticulous work was instrumental in securing the highest form of punishment for the accused.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that such stringent judicial responses are critical in combating the exploitation of children, particularly when perpetrators utilize religious or educational facades to gain access to vulnerable minors. This verdict reinforces the legal framework's ability to protect the sanctity of childhood.

The SP further highlighted the state's rigorous stance on child protection, noting that 17 individuals have been convicted in POCSO cases so far this year. This includes two death sentences, four life imprisonments, and one 25-year sentence.

Did You Know?: The POCSO Act was enacted in 2012 to provide a robust legal framework for the protection of children from sexual offenses in India.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: What was the specific crime committed by the accused?
Answer: The accused, S. Abraham, sexually assaulted four minor girls under the pretext of providing moral education classes.

Question 2: How much compensation has been ordered for the victims?
Answer: The court has directed the Tamil Nadu government to pay ₹10 lakh to each of the four victims.