Rapist sentenced to 8 years in jail
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, March 30 2019: Maibam Manojkumar, Special Judge POCSO Imphal East, sentenced a 24 years old individual to rigorous imprisonment for 8 years, along with slapping a fine of Rs 20,000 for sexually assaulting a minor victim on June 14, 2014.The convict, Sarangthem Arunjit (24) s/o Rabei of Waikhong Makha Leikai, was produced before the Court from Sajiwa Central Jail for the sentence hearing today, after he was convicted by the same Court on March 18 under section 4 of POCSO Act.

During the hearing today, the Court heard the submission of Special PP N Bishambhor and Advocate Ksh Ibetombi (defense counsel of the convict) .

The Special PP submitted that Arunjit was convicted under section 4 of POCSO and prayed for awarding a sentence of not less than the minimum sentence for committing penetrative sexual assault upon the minor victim.

On the other hand, the defense counsel contended that the convict is now 24 years old and the crime he committed in his prime was due to having a love affair with the victim but as the age of the victim was found to be below 18 years, Arunjit was convicted and there are no previous criminal records against him.

The defense counsel further maintained that the convict looks after his father and prayed for awarding sentence for a period of only 3 years.

After hearing both sides, the Court sentenced Arunjit to 8 years in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 under section 4 of POCSO Act.

In default of payment of the fine, the convict has to undergo another six months simple imprisonment, the Court ruled adding that the period which the convict has already spent in judicial custody will be set off from the sentence awarded.

It may be mentioned that the case began against the convict after a complaint was lodged by the mother of the minor victim before Women PS Imphal East on June 15, 2016, stating that on the previous day, at around 2 pm, her minor daughter was kidnapped and sexually assaulted by the convict while she (the victim) was returning back home from her cousin sister's house.

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