Stephan Kayyar
Daijiworld Media Network – Kasargod (EP)
Kasargod, Feb 16: Kasargod district additional sessions court has sentenced a high school teacher to 15 years' imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 35,000 for sexually harassing six minor girls studying in third standard between 2012 and 2014.
Nirchalu Malladka resident Balamurali (32) was found guilty of sexually harassing the minors. He will have to undergo another two years' imprisonment if he fails to pay the fine.
The court has directed the government to pay suitable amount of assistance to the children through legal services authority. A case under POCSO act was registered against the accused.
The matter came to light when one of the victims informed her classmate about the harassment. The matter was later informed to her family members. The parents complained to Childline and a complaint was registered against the teacher in Kasargod town police station.
The court heard 26 witnesses, and examined 32 pieces of evidence produced in this connection.