Man gets two lifers for sexually abusing daughter, step-child

A local court here sentenced a 35-year-old man to two life sentences today for sexually abusing his daughter and step-daughter.
The prosecution's case was that, two years ago, at Madukkarai here, Govindaraj repeatedly sexually exploited his 17-year-old step daughter, born to his second wife, after his first wife left him.
After some time, the girl was rescued by one Saravanan, a relative of Govindaraj, who placed her in a hostel and helped her to continue with her studies.
But with his step-daughter away, Govindaraj began sexually harassing his 12-year daughter, the prosecution argued.
Meanwhile, based on a missing complaint filed by Govindaraj, police traced the step-daughter, who told them her reasons for leaving the house.

Govindaraj was thereafter arrested on charges of sexually abusing the girls and lodged in Central Jail here.
Delivering the verdict, Madhila Court Judge MP Subramanian awarded two life terms to Govindaraj, which will run concurrently.
Though the step-daughter had revealed that Saravananan had also raped her and a case was filed in this regard as well, he was acquitted due to lack of evidence.