Four sentenced to 30 years in prison for forcing Dalit girls into sex trafficking

The Fast Track Special Court, Kattakada, sentenced four persons, who had forced a minor Dalit girl into sex abuse, to 30 years in jail and also imposed a fine of ₹ 1 lakh on each of them on Friday.

Special Judge R. Ramesh Kumar pronounced the sentence against Sreekala alias Kala, 47, of Meppukada; Shahidha Beevi, alias Shyni, 52, from Malayinkeezhu; Sadashivan, 71, from Maranalloor; and Sumesh, alias Ramesh, 33, of Vellanad who were found guilty under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act.

Standard for fines

While the fine amounts will be handed over to the survivor, the court has recommended the District Legal Service Authority to provide her with adequate compensation. Failure to comply with the fines will result in an additional prison sentence of one year and five months.

The survivor, who came from an impoverished household, was lured into sex trafficking in 2015 by the gang who sold her to about 15 clients. The blackmailers themselves had her raped several times.

Girl approaches police

The racket came to light about two years later when the girl, then 17 years old, had approached the Vilappilsala police in August 2017 to file a complaint against a youth who had allegedly made her pregnant. Later, while receiving counseling, the survivor revealed that she had been sexually abused by several others.

The police, led by then Deputy Superintendent of Police (Dy.SP) JK Dinil of Nedumangad, registered two separate cases. The investigation into the others who sexually exploited the girl continues, official sources said.

While Mr. Dinil was the investigating officer, his successor Dy.SP Anil Kumar filed the complaint in the court. The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor DR Pramod, examined 36 witnesses and presented 58 pieces of evidence and 13 material objects.