Man sentenced to 47 years for rape of differently abled teen

By Sagaya Fernando | May 04, 2025

 

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Thiruvananthapuram, India – A court in the southern Indian state of Kerala has sentenced a 41-year-old man to 47 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape and assault of his relative, a 16-year-old girl with Down Syndrome, in a case that has drawn widespread condemnation.

The verdict was delivered on May 2, 2025 by the Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court, which handles cases of child sexual abuse. Special Judge Rekha R. also imposed a fine of ₹25,000 (approx. $300). Failure to pay the fine would result in an additional eight months of imprisonment.

The assault took place on 25 September 2020 in the Nedumangad region, under the jurisdiction of the local police. According to the prosecution, the teenager was alone at home when the perpetrator, identified as Rajeev, attacked her.

Her elder sister returned home during the incident and intervened by striking the attacker with a stick, forcing him to flee. The survivor sustained serious physical injuries. Neighbours, alerted by the screams, rushed to the scene and informed the police.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Rajeev had sexually assaulted the girl on two previous occasions, which had not been reported due to threats he made against the child.

Prosecutors presented testimonies from 31 witnesses, 31 documentary exhibits, and three material objects. Rajeev later confessed to the repeated abuse.

In a strongly worded judgment, Judge Rekha described the assault as “cruel and inhuman,” emphasising the vulnerability of the victim and stating that the crime deserved “no leniency.”

The case has once again spotlighted the urgent need for safeguarding differently abled children in India and ensuring timely justice for survivors of sexual violence.