Coach and Principal Convicted in Child Sexual Abuse Case; 20-Year Sentence Handed Down

A Special POCSO Court in Rajendranagar has concluded its proceedings in a significant child sexual assault case, handing down convictions against both a gymnastics coach and a school administrator.

Kura Kiran Sai, 31, who worked as a gymnastics and karate instructor, has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 20,000. Former school principal Chilakamukku Deepika, 37, received a three-year sentence of simple imprisonment and was ordered to pay a fine of Rs. 1,000.

Special Judge T. Srinivas also directed that the victim be awarded Rs. 3 lakh in compensation.

The case traces its origins to June 27, 2019, when the father of a three-and-a-half-year-old girl filed a formal complaint. The child exhibited unusual behavioural changes and expressed discomfort upon returning from preschool. When questioned by her parents, she disclosed that the coach had subjected her to sexual abuse.

During investigative proceedings, authorities determined that the accused individual had escorted the child to a gymnastics facility on June 20, 2019, following a delay in the school van's arrival. Police alleged that he perpetrated aggravated penetrative sexual assault within the school premises.

The prosecution maintained that the school principal's failure to exercise adequate oversight contributed to the incident. This negligence led to her inclusion in the charges. The case was registered under provisions of the Indian Penal Code, the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.

Both individuals were taken into custody on July 2, 2019. Following a comprehensive investigation, police submitted their charge sheet to the court. After careful examination of evidence and consideration of arguments from both sides, the court delivered its verdict and imposed the respective sentences.