Kerala High Court Imposes Life Sentence on Ambulance Driver for Rape of Covid Patient
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Synopsis
A Kerala court sentenced an ambulance driver to life imprisonment for raping a Covid patient in September 2020, highlighting the challenges faced during the investigation amidst a lockdown.
Key Takeaways
- A Kerala ambulance driver was sentenced to life for raping a Covid patient.
- The incident occurred during her transport to a care center.
- Evidence was gathered from 55 witnesses.
- The case was complicated by the Covid lockdown.
- The driver was also fined Rs 1,08,000 as compensation.
Pathanamthitta, April 11 (NationPress) A court in Kerala has sentenced an ambulance driver to life imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 19-year-old woman during her transport to a Covid care facility in September 2020.
V. Noufal, the driver, was responsible for taking the patient from a medical facility to a government-established Covid care center. Instead of proceeding there, he diverted to a different location and assaulted her sexually.
Post incident, Noufal expressed remorse to the victim, an apology that was recorded on her mobile device.
R. Binu, the head of the investigating team from the Kerala Police, noted that the case posed challenges due to the ongoing lockdown.
“Collecting evidence was a daunting task, but through teamwork, we managed to gather sufficient evidence and compile the charge sheet,” Binu stated.
The investigation yielded testimony from 55 individuals.
The sentence was delivered by Pathanamthitta District and Sessions Judge N. Harikumar.
The victim reported the assault to healthcare personnel at the facility where she was being treated for Covid-19.
Following her statement, police apprehended Noufal.
Noufal was convicted on multiple counts, including rape and other serious offenses.
Furthermore, the Court found him guilty under the provisions of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which addresses sexual crimes against SC/ST women, stipulating harsher penalties for perpetrators not belonging to these communities.
The Court mandated a total fine of Rs 1,08,000, designated as compensation for the survivor.
The guilty verdict was confirmed on Thursday, with the official announcement made on Friday.
Inspector Binu elaborated that obtaining vital evidence required considerable time, as involved medical professionals were stationed in various locations.
