Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, November 30:
Acting on a Supreme Court verdict, two persons including a former Scientific Officer of the State's Science and Technology Department have been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment (RI) in connection with a rape case.
Main accused, former Senior Scientific Officer Nongmaithem Modhu Singh of Kumbi Awang Leikai was convicted for abducting and raping a college student way back in October 1983 and sentenced to five year RI with a penalty of Rs 5000.Co-accused N Herachandra Singh of Kumbi Thingel Leikai has been charged of abducting the girl and sentenced for two years RI.
According to sources, the long time taken in issuing the verdict follows the challenge put up by the two against the April 1989 High Court ruling before the Supreme Court.
The apex court on October 12 this year dismissed the SLP filed by the two thereby upholding the earlier verdict of the High Court on the case.
Following the SC ruling, the Additional District and Sessions Judge Manipur West Ph Surendra Singh has executed the same ruling and issued the warrant of arrest against the accused persons.
While Modhu surrendered before the Court on November 27 and was sent to jail the same day, Herachandra, said the source, gave up today and has been subsequently imprisoned.
The source recalled that a lower court had initially tried five accused persons before absolving them of any involvement in the case.
Dissatisfied with the trial court's order, the State filed an appeal to review the case before the High Court that eventually reached the highest Court of the land, it added.