Rape convict sentenced to 15 years RI
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 24 2018: Maibam Manojkumar, Judge Special Court POCSO Imphal West, sentenced 34 year old rape convict, Sagolsem Ranbir to rigorous imprisonment for 15 years along with a fine of Rs 30,000 today.

The convict Sagolsem Ranbir Meitei (34) s/o Sh Khagemba of Maibam Sagolsem (presently staying at Mayang Imphal Konchak) was produced from judicial custody at Sajiwa central jail for the sentence hearing.

Sagolsem Ranbir Meitei was convicted under section 6 of POCSO Act on April 20 for aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a minor girl.

During the hearing today, the Court heard the submission of A Nilachandra, Special PP for the State and Advocate Y Suresh, defense counsel of convict.

The Special PP submitted that Sagolsem Ranbir Meitei was convicted under the section 6 of POCSO Act 2012 for committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault.

The Special PP mentioned that the victim eventually became pregnant and the act committed by the convict is a very serious offence as the convict was already married at the time of the crime and as such prayed for awarding maximum sentence of life imprisonment to the convict.

Defense counsel of the convict on the other hand contended that the convict is now 34 years old and he has a wife and a small child (3 years) and there is no criminal record against the convict.

The defense counsel further maintained that the convict has been in the judicial custody since his arrest and there is full possibility of reformation in future if the convict is given a chance and as such prayed for awarding minimum sentence.

The Special PP, in reply, submitted that the convict is convicted under section 6 of POCSO for committing aggravated sexual assault repeatedly and in such case the Court should show leniency to the convicted and cited some case law in support of his submission.

The Court went through all the materials on record, heard the submission of the Special PP and defense counsel, as well as the ratio laid down by the Supreme Court and High Court regarding sentence in rape/ penetrative sexual assault case and other mitigation factors submitted by the counsel of accused and decided that the act of repeated aggravated penetrative sexual assault committed by the convict to the victim, who was staying in the boarding run by the convict resulting in the pregnancy of the victim, is a very serious offence and as such sentenced the convict Sagolsem Ranbir Meitei to rigorous imprisonment for a period of 15 years along with a fine of Rs 30,000 .

The Court also mentioned that in default of payment of fine, the convict has to undergo 6 months simple imprisonment.

It directed the fine to be deposited to the Court and to give the said amount to the victim girl as compensation.

It further mentioned that the period which has already undergone by the convict in the judicial custody during the period of investigation as well as during the trial, will be set off from the sentence announced.

The Court further recommended providing compensation to the victim under the victim compensation scheme.

Over and above, the Court also recommended for providing compensation of Rs 2 lakh from the scheme known as "Financial assistance and support service to the victim of rape" The Court further directed a copy of the order to be sent to the District Magistrate/Deputy Commissioner Imphal West, the Chairmen of Imphal West District Criminal Injuries and Rehabilitation Board constituted under the scheme for doing the needful.

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