T’puram: A fast-track special court here sentenced a 22-year-old man to seven years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 26,000 for molesting a 14-year-old girl after approaching her on a two-wheeler.The accused, Hail Raju of Kollam, was convicted by Judge Anju Meera Birla. The court directed that the fine amount, along with the compensation awarded through the legal services authority, be paid to the survivor. If the accused fails to pay the fine, he will have to undergo an additional one year and nine months of imprisonment.The incident took place on May 24, 2025, near Chavadimukku, Thiruvananthapuram. The girl was returning on foot with her mother after visiting her sister, who was staying at a hostel in the area. According to the prosecution, the man approached the girl on a two-wheeler and touched her private parts while passing by. The girl moved away, following which the man’s vehicle hit her shoulder.The girl noticed the man’s clothing and the vehicle and was able to remember the details. She later checked CCTV footage from a nearby house and identified the accused. She also saw him again when he returned on the same two-wheeler while she was leaving the house.Following the complaint, the police examined CCTV footage and traced the vehicle using its registration number, leading to the identification of the accused.Special public prosecutor R S Vijay Mohan, along with advocates Bindu V C and Surabhi P, appeared for the prosecution. Sreekaryam Police station SI Padmakumar K investigated the case.
