Former CITU leader sentenced to 17 years’ RI for raping woman-OxBig News Network

The Thiruvananthapuram Additional District and Sessions Court, which deals with cases related to atrocities and sexual violence against women and children, on Friday (February 28) sentenced a man to 17 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a woman.

Judge Shibu M.P. also imposed a fine of ₹1 lakh on Sanal Kumar of Mullassery in Karakulam, an expelled Centre of Indian Trade Unions (CITU) leader.

According to the prosecution led by special public prosecutor Ajith Prasad J.K., the incident occurred in 2012 when the survivor resided alone in a house situated under the Peroorkada police station limits. Sanal used to constantly harass the woman using his supporters. On the day of the crime, he visited her under the pretext of resolving the issue, and raped her despite the survivor’s attempts to thwart him.

The prosecution examined 12 witnesses, and presented 20 exhibits and seven material objects. R. Prathapan Nair, who was then Peroorkada circle inspector, had investigated the case and submitted the chargesheet.