A madrasa teacher from Kannur has been sentenced to a 187 years in prison in connection with the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl during the Covid-19 pandemic. The Taliparamba POCSO court convicted Muhammed Rafi, a resident of Alakode, and also imposed a fine of Rs 9 lakh.
The Crime
The abuse occurred between 2020 and 2021, when Rafi allegedly gained the victim’s trust by promising her marriage and showing her a ring before repeatedly assaulting her, reported India Today. At the time of the crime, Rafi was living near Pappinisseri. The case was investigated by Pazhayangadi police jurisdiction.
The crime came to light after the girl found it difficult to concentrate on her studies. Her parents also observed changes in her behaviour. Later, when her parents took her to a counselling session, she revealed that she was sexually abused by the Madrasa teacher, reported Times of India.
‘Rafi Was A Repeat Offender’
The court noted that Rafi was a repeat offender, having previously been charged under the POCSO Act in a separate case registered at Valapattanam police station. When he committed the latest crime, he was reportedly out on parole.
While the cumulative sentence amounts to 187 years, Indian law mandates that he will serve a maximum of 30 years in prison. The court ordered that the imposed fine be provided to the survivor as compensation for the trauma endured.
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