The Special Court for POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act Cases has awarded 5 years imprisonment to a man who sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl.

According to prosecution, Appu, 28, from a village near Valliyoor sexually assaulted a 7-year-old girl in May 2026. Based on the complaint from the victim’s mother, the Valliyoor All Women Police filed a case against Appu and arrested him.

Special Court (for POCSO Cases) Judge Suresh Kumar awarded 5 years imprisonment to Appu and slapped a fine of ₹7,000 on him on Tuesday. The judge also directed the Tamil Nadu Government to give ₹1 lakh as compensation to the girl.

BJP leader Vanathi Srinivasan on Friday condemned an incident in which a ‘petrol bomb’ was hurled at a memorial of late freedom fighter Muthuramalinga Thevar in Tirunelveli district. Expressing shock over the incident reported in Thachanallur, she condemned the alleged attempts by “anti-national elements” to create enmity between various sections of the society. Ms. Srinivasan further urged the police to initiate severe action against those responsible for the incident and to ensure peace in the area.