A case that shook Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala's capital, six years ago has finally seen justice. A dance teacher, found guilty of committing horrendous acts against a seven-year-old innocent student, was sentenced to 52 years in prison by the court on Saturday. Additionally, a fine of 325,000 rupees was levied. All sentences will run concurrently, effectively keeping the convict behind bars for 20 years.
The 46-year-old accused, Sunil Kumar, was sentenced by Judge Anju Meera Birla of the Thiruvananthapuram Fast Track Special Court. The court found him guilty under the Indian Penal Code, Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act. Following the sentencing, the court directed that upon recovery, the fine amount should be awarded as compensation to the victimized child.
Special Public Prosecutor RS Vijay Mohan reported that these crimes occurred between 2017 and 2019. The victimized child regularly attended dance classes. The accused took him to a separate room near the class and repeatedly coerced him into unnatural acts. Out of fear, the child remained silent for a long time, but later, unable to bear the teacher's misdeeds any longer, he stopped going to dance class.
The case came to light when the victim's parents decided to send their younger son to the same teacher. Summoning the courage, the victim revealed everything. During the trial, the prosecution presented 17 witnesses, and based on strong evidence, the accused was found guilty. Consequently, Judge Anju Meera Birla of the Fast Track Special Court handed down the sentence.
Shockingly, a case has also been registered against the dance teacher, Sunil Kumar, for sexually abusing a 12-year-old boy. This case is being heard in another court. With this judgment, the court reiterated that crimes against the innocent would not be tolerated under any circumstances. This incident serves as a stern warning to parents to be vigilant before entrusting their children to anyone.
