The President of the Children’s Court, Rehnu Gowry-Bhurrut, and magistrate Bhavna Sawock have handed down an 18-year prison sentence to skipper Tawun Khuttur on Friday, June 16, 2023. Khuttur was found guilty of raping an 11-year-old Indian girl on June 7, 2023, on Île-aux-Cerfs.
Defi Media reported that the trial of Tawun Khuttur took place just two days after the crime occurred. It noted the presence of high-ranking police officials during the trial and the reading of the sentence on Friday, June 16, 2023. This case was given top priority.
“In this case, the rape can only be described as bestial, sadistic, and degrading towards a defenceless and vulnerable child. We believe that this further aggravates the offense,” the magistrates were cited as writing in their verdict.
During the trial, the court also observed a visible bite mark on the victim’s cheek.
According to the magistrates, “the despair in the child’s eyes while testifying via video conference revealed the emotional pain and trauma she endured.” They mentioned that the skipper took advantage of her trust when she got lost and was searching for her parents.
“The accused not only physically but also emotionally scarred the child. The ugly bite mark left on her cheek will serve as a reminder of this rape every time she looks in the mirror,” emphasised the magistrates.
In their verdict, the magistrates also referred to the report from the police doctor, Dr. Prem Chamane, who examined the victim. The doctor reported several injuries, including those on the girl’s face, neck, left shoulder, right thigh and genital area.
Furthermore, the magistrates took into consideration that the girl was an Indian national on vacation in Mauritius. Undoubtedly, she had looked forward to enjoying her holidays on a paradise island.
“However, the only memories she will carry with her are the ordeal she went through at the hands of her assailant.”
The magistrates also acknowledged that Mauritius is a well-known tourist destination, and tourism plays a significant role in the country’s economy.
“Cases like this certainly do not contribute to the country’s image as a safe destination. Hence, the sentence pronounced should resonate internationally.”
During the trial, Tawun Khuttur pleaded guilty and chose not to be represented by a lawyer, even though the court informed him of the possibility of being assisted by legal aid.
Moreover, the magistrates highlighted that Tawun Khuttur sought sympathy from the court by stating that his father had extramarital affairs, that he was the sole breadwinner of the family, and that his brother was disabled.
The magistrates deemed these “pathetic” explanations put forward by the accused as insufficient grounds for leniency.
He showed no remorse or offered any apologies to the victim and her family.
The magistrates concluded that a significant and harsh prison sentence is essential given the gravity of the offense, and thus sentenced him to 18 years in prison.
However, the Khuttur family said it is convinced of Tawun’s innocence.
Source: Defi Media
