Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod

Kasargod, Aug 25: In a brutal case that shook the region, the Hosdurg POCSO court has sentenced a 49-year-old man to double life imprisonment for the abduction, sexual assault, and robbery of a 10-year-old girl in Padannakkad. The court also found his 21-year-old sister guilty of aiding in the disposal of stolen property and imposed a fine.

The convicted man, P M Saleem from Napoklu in Madikeri, was handed the punishment by judge P M Suresh. His sister, Suhaiba, was sentenced to imprisonment till the rising of the court and fined Rs 1,000. The judgment was pronounced on Monday, following their conviction on Saturday.

The heinous crime occurred on May 15, 2024, in Padannakkad under the Hosdurg police limits, when the girl was abducted from her home in the early morning while asleep. The accused, who entered through the kitchen door, took her to a nearby field, sexually assaulted her, and stole her gold earrings, before abandoning her nearly a kilometre away.

The terrified child walked to a nearby house, informed the residents, and contacted her family. Upon inquiry, the shocking details emerged. A medical examination confirmed sexual assault, strengthening the case.

The case, taken seriously by the authorities, was transferred to a Special Investigation Team (SIT). The accused, who had sold the girl’s gold jewellery and used the proceeds to go into hiding in cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru, was finally arrested in Andhra Pradesh on May 24, 2024.

Suhaiba, the second accused, was found to have helped sell the stolen jewellery and was booked under appropriate sections for her role. “The evidence showed she knowingly participated in disposing of the gold earrings,” said an official familiar with the investigation.

The police filed the chargesheet within 39 days of arrest, and the trial commenced in January 2025. During the hearings, the prosecution examined 62 witnesses, presenting a detailed and convincing case.

The investigation was led by North Zone DySP Thomson Jose and District Police Chief P. Bijoy, with supervision over the SIT comprising 20 officers. Senior officers involved included DySPs Latheesh, C K Sunil Kumar, and P Balakrishnan Nair, along with circle inspector M P Azad and sub-inspectors Akhil and M T P Saifuddin.

The court’s verdict brings a measure of justice for the survivor and her family. Officials praised the rapid investigation and coordinated action across states. “We ensured no delay in filing the chargesheet and worked round the clock to locate the accused,” said a senior SIT officer.

 

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