Pronounced guilty
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 15 2020: The founder cum biology teacher of a coaching centre was sentenced to 2 years and 5 months in jail today, by Special Judge, POCSO Imphal West, apart from being fined Rs 10,000, for sexually harassing a minor student inside the said centre on September 6 of 2017 .

The sentence was announced against Laishram Ratankumar alias Akash of Thoubal, presently staying at Uripok Polem Leikai, who was convicted by the same Court on January 13 under POCSO Act after a two year long trial.

Today, Ratankumar was produced before the Court for the necessary sentence hearing and during the proceedings, the Court heard the Special PP who submitted that Ratankumar was convicted under section 12 of POCSO Act for sexually harassing a minor, which is a serious offence, and prayed for awarding maximum sentence along with fine.

On the other hand, the defense counsel contended that Ratankumar has two minor sons and his family is dependent on him, thus praying for leniency.

The defense counsel further reasoned that Ratankumar being a young educated person, has a chance to reform and there are no past criminal records against him.

After hearing the submission of both sides, the Court sentenced Laishram Ratankumar to 2 years and 5 months in jail.

The Court also slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 on him and ruled that in default of payment of the said fine, he will have to undergo another one month in jail.

The period of detention undergone by the convict during the investigation and the trial, will be set off against the sentence of imprisonment, the Court further ordered.

On the other hand, the Court recommended compensation to be given to the victim under the Manipur Victim Compensation Scheme.

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