The Fast Track Mahila Court, Tiruvannamalai, on Wednesday sentenced a 63-year-old man to life imprisonment for raping an eight-year-old girl in 2010.
G. Mahizhenthi, Principal District Judge, who holds full charge of the Fast Track Mahila Court, sentenced Krishnamoorthy, a resident of Tiruvannamalai town, for raping the girl on July 18, 2010. Krishnamoorthy, an ex-serviceman, was 56 years old at the time of offence. He called the girl, who was his neighbour, to his house when she was riding a cycle and raped her. The girl’s mother lodged a complaint with the police after she narrated the incident to her.
The All Women Police, Tiruvannamalai, booked a case under section 376 (punishment for rape) of Indian Penal Code. Based on the testimony of the girl and medical evidence, the Principal District Judge sentenced him to life imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹5,000. If he failed to pay the fine, he would have to undergo three years rigorous imprisonment.
While delivering the verdict, the Judge said the accused, citing his age and being an ex-service man, sought lesser punishment. But he decided to impose the maximum sentence considering the nature of crime and age of victim.