A cricket coach in Thiruvananthapuram has been sentenced to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually abusing a minor. Fast Track Special Court,presided over by Special Judge Anju Meera Birla, found 40-year-old Manu M . guilty on multiple counts under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code.
The court's ruling mandates that Manu serve five years in prison,as the sentences will run concurrently. Additionally,he faces a fine of ₹24,000, with failure to pay resulting in an extra two-and-a-half years behind bars. The case was investigated by Cantonment police.
The victim,a class VII student at time, had joined the coaching center where the abuse occurred . She was assaulted in the gym but initially refrained from reporting the incident due to fears that it would jeopardize her cricketing aspirations. Reports indicate that Manu M. has been accused of abusing five other girls,with trials completed for four of six cases registered against him.
Special Public Prosecutor R.S. Vijay Mohan represented the prosecution during the trial,which has drawn attention to the serious issue of child safety in sports environments.
