Kerala Madrassa Teacher Gets 187 Years imprisonment For Raping Minor in Kannur

In a landmark ruling, a fast-track special court in Liparamba, Kerala, has sentenced a 41-year-old madrassa teacher, Mohammed Rafi, to 187 years of imprisonment for repeatedly raping a minor girl. The crime took place during the COVID-19 lockdown, targeting a 16-year-old student over two years. Rafi, a resident of Alakode Panchayat in Udayagiri, was convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The court also imposed a fine of ₹9.1 lakh on the accused.

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Court’s Verdict and Sentencing Details

Special Court Judge R. Rajesh found Rafi guilty of multiple counts of sexual assault on a minor. The sentencing breakdown includes:

50 years of rigorous imprisonment under POCSO Act Section 5(t) for being a repeat offender of aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
25 years under IPC Section 376(3) for raping a girl under 16 years of age.
35 years under POCSO Act Sections 5(l) and 5(f) for repeated penetrative sexual assault by a person in a position of trust.
2 years under IPC Section 506(2) for criminal intimidation.

The cumulative sentence totals 187 years, reflecting the severity of the offenses committed while Rafi was already on parole for a prior conviction.

Exploitation During the COVID-19 Lockdown

The abuse began in March 2020 when the victim was just 14 years old and continued until 2021. Rafi exploited the lockdown’s restrictions, repeatedly assaulting the girl and threatening her to remain silent. The victim’s declining academic performance and behavioral changes eventually alarmed her parents, who sought help at a counseling center. There, the girl disclosed the harrowing ordeal, prompting her parents to file a complaint with the Pezhankari police. A case was registered, leading to Rafi’s arrest.

A Repeat Offender’s History

Shockingly, Rafi had previously been convicted for sexually assaulting another minor student at a madrassa in Kannur district. The latest crime occurred while he was out on parole, underscoring his recidivism. The court’s decision to impose a 187-year sentence reflects the gravity of his actions and serves as a stern warning against such heinous crimes.

This case highlights the importance of vigilance in protecting vulnerable children, especially in trusted institutions, and underscores the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice for survivors of sexual violence.