The Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court on Wednesday sentenced a 54-year-old man to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹26,000 for sexually assaulting a nine-year-old girl.
Special Judge Anju Meera Birla pronounced the sentence against Basil Joseph alias Edison. The court ruled that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional three years and three months of imprisonment. It further directed that both the fine and an additional compensation from the District Legal Services Authority be provided to the survivor.
According to the prosecution led by Special Public Prosecutor R.S. Vijay Mohan, the incident occurred on October 20, 2024, under the Valiyathura police station limits, while the young girl was playing on the terrace of her home.
The accused, who was the family’s neighbour, lured the child toward him by asking for help with a flower pot. Once she approached, Joseph grabbed her hand and refused to release her. He also explicitly said that he would only let go if she kissed him. Out of fear, the child complied to escape his grip and immediately informed her father of the ordeal. The accused fled the scene the moment he saw the girl’s father approaching.
The prosecution examined 13 witnesses, and presented 20 documents and three material objects.
Published – February 04, 2026 08:59 pm IST
