In a verdict that has sent shockwaves across Kerala, the Principal Sessions Court on Friday sentenced an ambulance driver to life imprisonment for the rape of a 19-year-old COVID-19 patient. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2,12,000 on the convict, identified as Noufal, 29, from Kayamkulam.
The horrific incident occurred on the night of September 5, 2020, amid the intense societal fears due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Noufal was convicted on Thursday for his actions during the transportation of the victim from Adoor General Hospital to a first-line treatment center in Pandalam.
According to the police, the assault took place in a secluded area of Aranmula. The victim, who was alone in the ambulance with Noufal, later revealed her ordeal to the medical staff upon reaching the treatment facility, leading to immediate police action and the driver’s arrest.
The case posed significant challenges for the investigating team due to the pandemic’s constraints and the high risk of virus transmission at the time. Nevertheless, the officers successfully gathered all necessary evidence to secure a conviction.
