Cricket Coach Sentenced to 16 Years in Student Assault Case in Thiruvananthapuram

Thiruvananthapuram: A special court in Thiruvananthapuram has sentenced a cricket coach to 16 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a schoolgirl who had attended cricket training under him. The court also imposed a fine of ₹24,000 on the convict. Manu (40) from Sreevaraham was convicted by Anju Meera Birla Judge of special fastrack court.

The prosecution established that the accused had abused the minor student during the period she was receiving cricket coaching. Manu on the pretext of giving coaching would assault her at the gym and he even asked her to send naked pictures which she refused. eventually her refusal led to Manu not giving her proper training and the survivor found another coaching center in 2021. Police had informed that Manu had already assaulted five other girls and threatened to destroy their cricket career if they made allegations against him, eventually all the students he assaulted stayed quiet and changed their coaching centers. However during a cricket selection in 2024 one of the survivors spotted him and panicked, then she bravely reported the crime.

After examining witness testimonies and evidence presented during the trial, the court found the coach guilty under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code.

In addition to the prison term, the court directed the payment of compensation and other legal benefits available to the survivor. The verdict was delivered by the special POCSO court after concluding that the prosecution had successfully proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.

The case highlights the importance of safeguarding children in sports and educational environments and ensuring strict action against offenders.

📰 Source: Mathrubhumi (English)