22-year-old man gets seven years RI for sexual assault

A 22-year-old man from Kollam has been sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for sexual assault. He was also ordered to pay ₹26,000 as fine. Failure to make the amount would mean an additional nine months in prison. The accused, Hail Raju, 22, of Karipra village, was sentenced by Special Judge Anju Meera Birla, Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Thiruvananthapuram, on charges of assaulting a minor girl. Special public prosecutor RS Vijay Mohan, advocates Bindu VC and Surabhi P. appeared for the prosecution.

The incident took place in May 2025 near Chavadimukku in Thiruvananthapuram. The girl was returning with her mother after visiting her sister when the accused on a motorcycle tried to catch the girl. Although she avoided the attempt, the accused’s hand hit her hard on her right shoulder. Although he ran away, he came back to see the girl.

The victim noticed the accused’s clothes and two-wheeler and later identified him based on the security camera footage.

Published – 02 Oct 2026 20:20 IST