Rape convict sentenced to 10 years RI
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, February 23 2024:
The Fast track Court No 2 Manipur, Lamphelpat sentenced Ngairangbam Bhu-baneshwor, who was convicted of raping a minor girl in 2017, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, and a concurrent sentence of 2 years for the offence under Section 451 of Indian Penal Code (IPC).
During the sentence hearing held on Friday, the special public prosecutor argued for maximum punishment, highlighting the severity of the crime and its long-term impact on the survivor, who was around 5 years old at the time of committing the offence.
The defence counsel, however, pleaded for leniency, citing the accused person s young age, absence of previous convictions, and family responsibilities.
In delivering the sentence, the court considering both mitigating and aggravating factors, ultimately decreed that aggravating circumstances outweighed mitigating ones.
The court emphasised that the punishment must be proportionate to the crime committed.
Accordingly, Ngairangbam Bhubaneshwor was ordered to undergo 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the offence under Section 6 of POCSO Act, along with a fine of Rs 3,000.In case of defaulting payment, he would have to undergo further simple imprisonment for 3 months.
Additionally, he was sentenced to 2 years simple imprisonment under Section 451 of IPC, with a fine of Rs 1,000, and in case of default, another 1 month of simple imprisonment.
Both sen tences were directed to run concurrently.
The court also awarded Rs 7 lakh to the survivor for the physical and mental trauma endured during the incident, investigation, and trial period.
The compensation, intended for the victim's future education, healthcare, and welfare, is to be paid by the state government from the victim compensation fund or any other applicable scheme under Section 357-A of CrPC.
Moreover, Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) through the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of Imphal East was directed to provide maximum assistance in ensuring the survivor receive the compensation after proper enquiry.