A 60-year-old man was sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment (RI) by a court on Thursday for having molested a minor girl two years ago. Also, the court slapped a fine of `16,500 as penalty.
Magistrate of Mahila Court Nazeer Ahmeed sentenced Annamalai, a resident of Pattuvampatti village near Ballur in Ambur taluk, to seven years RI for molesting his neighbour’s 10 year-old daughter Vennila (named changed) on July 12 in 2012. Vennila’s father Venkatesan had lodged a complaint with the All-Women Police Station on July 19, a week after the incident.
Acting on the complaint, the police registered a case against Annamalai and conducted an inquiry.
Based on the inquiry, the police registered a case against Annamalai under section 376 (rape) and 506 (2) (threatening with dire consequence) of IPC and read with 4 of Women Harassment Act. The accused had lured the minor girl, who was playing in front of her house, saying he would give her chocolates and toys. He molested her and also threatened her not to tell anyone about the incident, said the personnel attached to the All-Women Police Station.
On hearing the case, the Magistrate pronounced Annamalai as guilty and awarded 10 years and 9 months imprisonment under various sections, including seven years RI and slapped a fine of `5000 under section 376 of IPC. However, the Magistrate in the verdict said the entire sentence would run concurrently.