A Kerala court has sentenced an ambulance driver, V Noufal, to life imprisonment for raping a 19-year-old woman while transporting her to a Covid care center in September 2020.
The court’s decision comes after a thorough investigation and trial, during which Noufal was found guilty of multiple charges, including rape.
Case Insights
Noufal, who was driving an ambulance, took the victim from a medical center to a different location, where he sexually assaulted her. The victim, who was Covid-positive, had been entrusted to Noufal’s care. After the incident, Noufal apologized to the victim, which she recorded on her mobile phone.
Investigation & Trial
The investigation was led by R. Binu, a Kerala Police official, who stated that the case was challenging due to the lockdown in place at the time. “We found it hard to get evidence, and it was after teamwork that we were able to get all the evidence and filed the charge sheet,” Binu said. The police gathered evidence from 55 people, which helped build a strong case against Noufal.
Verdict & Sentence
Pathanamthitta District and Sessions Judge N. Harikumar pronounced the sentence against Noufal. In addition to life imprisonment, Noufal was also directed to pay a fine of Rs 1,08,000, which will be given as compensation to the survivor. The court’s decision also took into account the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which prescribes enhanced punishment for sexual offenses against SC/ST women.
The investigation faced challenges in gathering crucial evidence from medical professionals, who were posted at different locations. However, the police persevered and collected the necessary evidence to build a strong case against Noufal.
Conclusion
The court’s verdict in this case sends a strong message about the consequences of such heinous crimes. The victim’s bravery in reporting the incident and the police’s diligent work in gathering evidence have ensured that justice is served.
This case highlights the importance of ensuring the safety and dignity of all individuals, particularly those who are vulnerable and in need of care.
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