The Special Court for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act cases in the district has awarded four death sentences to a preacher who sexually assaulted four minor girls in 2022.According to prosecution, S. Abraham, 50, a preacher who was running a prayer hall at Mela Ilanthaikulam near Thevarkulam, sexually assaulted four minor girls under the pretext of taking moral classes during vacation. The girls narrated their ordeal to their parents, who filed complaints with Tirunelveli Rural All Women Police.Abraham was arrestedon July 5, 2022.POCSO Special Court Magistrate Suresh Kumar on Thursday awarded four death sentences to Abraham and imposed a fine of ₹52,000. The Magistrate also directed the Tamil Nadu Government to pay compensation of ₹10 lakh to each victim.Superintendent of Police Vishwesh Balasubramanian Shastri said the investigators of the case did a commendable job, which ensured the conviction of the accused with capital punishment.The SP said 17 persons had been convicted so far this year in as many POCSO cases. Two received death sentence and four others were awarded life imprisonment unto death, while one was given 25 years imprisonment. Published - August 20, 2026 05:40 pm IST