IDUKKI (27 February 2026) — A 25-year-old man from Tamil Nadu has been sentenced to a cumulative 30 years of imprisonment by a Kerala court for the sexual assault of a 16-year-old girl in 2022. The Idukki Painavu Fast Track Special Court found the accused, Muhammad Riyas, guilty of luring the minor to a cinema theatre in Tiruppur under the false pretext of offering her employment, where the assault subsequently took place.
Judicial Ruling and Sentencing Details
Judge Nobel D.S. delivered the verdict on Friday, convicting Riyas under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. While the cumulative total of the various sentences amounted to 30 years, the court clarified the actual duration of the incarceration.
According to Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Shijomon Joseph:
- Concurrent Sentencing: The convict will serve a maximum of 15 years in jail, as the court directed that all sentences must run concurrently.
- Financial Penalty: A fine of 1 lakh rupees was imposed on the convict.
- Victim Compensation: The court has recommended that the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) provide adequate compensation to the survivor for her rehabilitation.
Case Background and Investigation
The incident dates back to 2022, when the victim, a resident of Idukki district in Kerala, was approached by Riyas with the promise of a job.
- The Incident: The minor was taken to a theatre in Tiruppur, Tamil Nadu, where she was subjected to sexual assault.
- Reporting: After returning to Idukki, the girl informed her family, leading to a complaint being lodged with the local police.
- Prosecution: The case was handled by the Idukki police, who coordinated with Tamil Nadu authorities to gather evidence and record the victim’s statement under Section 164 of the CrPC.
The SPP noted that the prompt filing of the chargesheet and the consistent testimony provided by the survivor were instrumental in securing the conviction within the fast-track judicial framework.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Kerala court sentences TN native to 30 yrs imprisonment for sexual assault of girl” (27 February 2026)
- The Hindu: “Man sentenced to 15 years rigorous imprisonment for minor’s assault in Idukki” (27 February 2026)
- Mathrubhumi: “Tiruppur native convicted in Idukki POCSO case; 30 years cumulative sentence” (27 February 2026)
- Idukki District Police: Official Media Release – Case No. 422/2022 (February 2026)
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