TG rape case:: Tarun, William get 15 yrs RI
Source: Hueiyen News Service

Imphal, December 11 2013: The two persons convicted in TG rape case, namely Tarun and William have been sentenced to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment by the Sessions Judge of Manipur East today.

This is the second landmark judgment given in rape cases in Manipur in recent time.

Earlier in May this year, District and Sessions Judge, Manipur West had awarded lifter all the four accused including two IRB personnel in the gang rape of an U-morok seller from Tamenglong district after they were pronounced guilty under sections 328, 392 and 376 of the Indian Penal Code and sections 3(1) (11) (12) of the Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Manipuri digital film actor and singer Thongam Tarun (28), s/o Jayenta of Thangmeiband Sinam Leikai and driver of Manipur Police Commando Yumnam William (28), s/o (L) Deben of Khagempalli Pankha were convicted by the Court of Sessions Judge, Manipur East under section 376 (2) (g) of IPC (gang rape) and under section 120-B of IPC (criminal conspiracy) earlier on Dec 9 .

TG rape case:: Tarun, William get 15 yrs RI

Along with 15 years of rigorous imprisonment, the Court also slapped a fine of Rs 10,000 each on the duo for criminal conspiracy and another Rs.25,000 each for gang rape.

They would get another three years' jail term if they fail to pay the fine.

However, their period of confinement in the judicial custody would be deducted from the 15 years' term, the Court said.

Shortly after the pronouncement of the sentence, a large number of women along with family members of the victim stormed at the court complex demanding capital punishment or life term for the rapists.

The agitators blocked the road while the rapists were being brought out from the court complex.

They even stoned at the prisoners' van.

The police resorted to baton charge to quell the protestors.

Later, Tarun and William were moved out of the court complex by police after some minutes of confrontation with the protestors.

Some relatives of the victim got injured during the melee.

One of them was even hospitalized.

Moreover, one woman even charged the police of snatching away a gold chain from her neck.

It may be mentioned that Tarun and William reportedly raped the girl student of TG Higher Secondary School at Tampha fast food restaurant located at Changangei Ucheckon on October 20, 2012.Acting on a complaint filed by the girl, Lamphel Police began investigation by filing an FIR under section 366, 376, 34 of IPC.

Sample of the girl's vomit and condoms used by the duo were also collected from the restaurant.

The forensic examinations further confirmed rape of the girl by Tarun and William.

Meanwhile, Universal Mothers' Organization (UMO) has termed the sentence for rapists Tarun and William inappropriate and demanded the authorities concerned to give capital punishment or life imprisonment to them.

President of UMO N Sorojini said that gang rape as such is an abominable act against humanity and the should be given the strictest punishment.