Man sentenced to RI for 'raping' minor
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, April 30 2022:
Special Judge Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) number 1 Manipur Salam Imocha has on Saturday sentenced one 55 years old then chowkidar of Government Junior High School to five years rigorous imprisonment under Section 10 of POCSO on the charge of sexually assaulting a minor girl on September 10, 2018 .
Mayengbam Sonamani (55) of Haorang Khunou was convicted by the same Court yesterday.
The defence counsel prayed for minimum punishment prescribed under Section 10 of POCSO Act, claiming that the convict is no longer young and has no criminal antecedents against him.
The defence counsel also claimed that the convict has already underwent 3 years and 5 months in judicial custody in connection with the case.
On the other hand, the Special PP submitted that exemplary punishment be given to the convict as he had allegedly defiled a minor of tender age.
The Court after hearing both sides and considering their submission sentenced convict Mayengbam Sonamani to undergo rigorous imprisonment of 5 years and imposed a fine of Rs 10 thousand.
In default of payment of fine the convict has to undergo simple imprisonment for another month.
The Court also directed the State Government to pay a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to the victim within 30 days.
It may be mentioned that the case was on against the convict after the mother of the victim lodged a complaint to the Imphal West Women Police Station.
As per the complainant, the minor was sexually assaulted by the convict on September 10, 2018 inside a class room.