Tirunelveli court awards death sentence to preacher in POCSO case
A special court in Tirunelveli on Thursday sentenced a 50-year-old preacher to death for sexually assaulting four minor girls in 2022. The court, constituted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, convicted S. Abraham, a resident of Mela Ilanthaikulam near Thevarkulam, for the offences.
According to the prosecution, Abraham operated a prayer hall in the locality and had been holding moral science classes for children during their summer vacation. It was during these sessions that he allegedly sexually assaulted the girls, who were aged between 13 and 15 at the time of the incident.
The abuse came to light when the victims narrated their ordeal to their parents. Subsequently, a complaint was lodged at the Thevarkulam police station, leading to Abraham's arrest on July 5, 2022. He remained in judicial custody throughout the trial.
The POCSO Special Court Magistrate, Suresh Kumar, found the accused guilty of aggravated sexual assault under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, which attracts the maximum penalty of death. The court observed that the crimes were committed in a manner that showed a high degree of perversity and a breach of trust by an authority figure.
The trial was conducted in a closed court to protect the identity and dignity of the minor survivors, as per the provisions of the POCSO Act. The prosecution relied on the testimonies of the victims, their parents, and medical evidence to establish the case beyond a reasonable doubt.
The prosecution argued that Abraham had systematically groomed the children and exploited their innocence. The defence, meanwhile, contended that the case was a conspiracy against the preacher, but the court found no substance in the claim.
The death sentence awarded to Abraham is subject to confirmation by the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court, as mandated under the Code of Criminal Procedure. The defence has indicated its intention to appeal, and the legal process will take its course.
POCSO statistics indicate that such cases are not uncommon, and the judiciary has repeatedly underscored the importance of stringent punishment as a deterrent. However, experts also stress the need for preventive measures, including awareness programmes in schools and communities, to protect children from such predators.
In this case, the prompt action by the parents and the cooperation of the authorities ensured that justice was not delayed. The special court's verdict sends a clear signal that the legal system views sexual offences against children with the utmost seriousness.
This is one of the rare instances where the death penalty has been awarded in POCSO cases, reflecting the gravity of the offences. The victims, who have been undergoing counselling, are now expected to receive support from the district administration under the victim compensation scheme.
The case also serves as a reminder to religious institutions and educational establishments to conduct background checks and maintain safeguards to prevent misuse of positions of trust. Community members, too, have a role to play in creating safe spaces for children to report abuse without fear.
