Cricket Coach Jailed 48 Years for Sexually Abusing Student

A fast-track special court in Thiruvananthapuram has sentenced Manu M, a 40-year-old cricket coach, to 48 years of rigorous imprisonment. This sentence is for the third case registered against him involving the sexual assault of a minor student. The court also found him guilty in a fourth case, with sentencing scheduled for Monday.

The judge specified that the current sentence will commence only after the completion of punishments awarded in his previous cases. The prosecution detailed that the victim, a former Class V student, joined a prominent cricket coaching centre in 2018 and endured prolonged sexual abuse during training sessions.

For years, the survivor stayed silent, experiencing threats and fear. The abuse only came to light in 2024 when the survivor disclosed the incidents to family members. This disclosure prompted other victims to come forward, leading to six cases being filed against the coach. Trials for four cases have concluded, resulting in convictions in three.

This landmark sentencing underscores the importance of victims speaking out and seeking justice. The legal proceedings were supported by special public prosecutor R S Vijay Mohan and advocates Surabhi P and H Ravishankar Thampi, with the investigation conducted by Cantonment police.