Physiotherapist receives 44-year prison sentence for abusing disabled girl in India

A physiotherapist in Thiruvananthapuram has been sentenced to 44 years in prison for sexually abusing a mentally and physically challenged girl. The court also imposed a fine of ₹8.5 lakh on Shinoj M. Raveendran, 42. The abuse occurred repeatedly from 2014 to 2019 while the girl, who has significant disabilities, was receiving treatment at home. The survivor reported the abuse to a psychologist in 2019, leading to a police investigation. The court found Raveendran guilty of multiple offenses, including aggravated sexual assault and rape. It ordered ₹8 lakh from the fine to be given to the survivor as compensation.