August 15, 2025

In a strong verdict, the Fast-Track Mahila Court in Coimbatore sentenced R. Gowrishankar, 27, to 20 years imprisonment for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a minor girl. The shocking crime happened in 2020 when the 17-year-old girl went missing on July 9, 2021. Police from Vellithiruppur launched an investigation and discovered that Gowrishankar had befriended, kidnapped, and forcibly married the girl. He also sexually attacked her. The girl was finally rescued by the police. The case was registered under serious sections: IPC Section 366 for kidnapping, Section 9 of the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, along with Sections 5 (L) and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012. The accused was arrested soon after. Judge C. Sornakumar pronounced the punishment, giving 20 years for sexual assault with a ₹5,000 fine, 5 years for kidnapping plus a ₹5,000 fine, and 1 year for child marriage with a ₹5,000 fine. All sentences will run together. Gowrishankar is now lodged in Coimbatore Central Prison. This strict judgment sends a clear message that crimes against children will be dealt with harshly, ensuring justice for the victim and warning society about protecting minors from such crimes.

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Tags: Kidnapping, Sexual assault, Child marriage, Court sentence, Coimbatore, Minor girl,