Kerala Mother Sentenced To 40 Years In Landmark Child Abuse Case

A Fast Track Court in Kerala has handed down a 40-year rigorous imprisonment sentence and a ₹20,000 fine to a woman convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The court's decision, announced on Monday, shows the severity of the charges and sends a strong message against child abuse. The court's decision comes after a harrowing series of events that unfolded between March 2018 and September 2019.

Background 

The accused, who had abandoned her mentally ill husband, cohabited with her lover, Shishupalan, during this period. Shockingly, it was revealed that Shishupalan subjected a child to brutal and repeated abuse, causing severe injuries to the child's private parts. Disturbingly, the mother not only allowed the abuse to happen but was also complicit, allowing Shishupalan's actions in the presence of the child.

Grandmother's Courageous Stand

The grim reality of this case came to light when the survivor's eleven-year-old sister returned home. The abused child, in a moment of courage, disclosed the horrifying abuse to her sibling. Unfortunately, the elder child also fell victim to Shishupalan's abuse. Both children remained silent, gripped by fear, as Shishupalan threatened them.

It was only when the elder sister managed to escape with the abused child and sought refuge at their grandmother's house that the truth emerged. Upon learning of the unspeakable acts, the grandmother immediately took action and moved the children to a secure environment—a children's home.

Legal Condemnation

During counseling sessions at the children's home, the horrifying details of the abuse came to light. RS Vijay Mohan, the Special Public Prosecutor, stated, "The mother has been sentenced to 40 years and fined ₹20,000 for the sexual and brutal abuse of her two daughters by her lovers. This heinous crime occurred while she deserted her mentally ill husband to live with two lovers."

Mohan continued, "The first lover, Shishupalan, brutally abused the younger girl when she was just seven years old and in the first standard. Shockingly, the victim confided in her mother, who callously did nothing and even aided the other lover in further abusing the child. Judge R. Rekha rightly deemed the accused an absolute disgrace to motherhood, deserving no leniency, hence the maximum sentence."

During the trial, the first accused, Shishupalan, tragically took his own life, leaving the mother as the sole defendant. The 22 witnesses and 33 documents presented during the trial show a distressing picture of the abuse suffered by the victims. Currently residing in a children's home, the survivors of this tragic ordeal await justice.