Man Sentenced for In-Flight Sexual Harassment of Minor

A special court sentenced Ammawasai Murugesan to three years in prison for harassing a minor girl on a Doha-Bengaluru flight. The girl’s mother reported the incident, leading to Murugesan's arrest under the POCSO Act. The court found him guilty and imposed a Rs 10,000 fine.

A special court in Tamil Nadu sentenced 51-year-old Ammawasai Murugesan to three years of imprisonment for sexually harassing a minor girl during a flight from Doha to Bengaluru. The court also levied a fine of Rs 10,000 on Murugesan.

The incident occurred on June 27, 2023. Under the influence of alcohol, Murugesan inappropriately touched the minor girl. Her mother objected, prompting flight attendants to change their seats. Upon their arrival, the girl's father reported the incident to Kempegowda International Airport police, leading to Murugesan’s arrest under Section 8 of the POCSO Act.

Murugesan was granted bail on July 27, 2023. During the trial, the minor testified via video link from abroad. Last week, the Additional District and Sessions Fast-Track Special Court in Bengaluru Rural district convicted Murugesan under the POCSO Act. The court order stipulated that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional three months of imprisonment, with half of the fine amount -- Rs 5,000 -- to be compensated to the victim. Murugesan's time in judicial custody from June 28 to July 27, 2023, will be offset against his sentence. He has been granted bail to appeal the conviction, under Section 389(3) of the CrPC, allowing him to remain out on bail until the appeal period expires due to his cooperative behavior and regular attendance in court hearings.

(With inputs from agencies.)