Lifer for rape convicts : Long arm of the law catches up with rapists
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, June 25 2013: The four individuals, including two security personnel, involved in the gang-rape of a chilly hawker, have been sentenced to life imprisonment.

The term of sentence was pronounced today by the Court of Sessions Judge, Manipur West Judge Salam Imocha Singh at the Lamphelpat complex of the Court, where the four convicts were produced.

The convicted four are Laikhuram Rojit (25) s/o L Tomba of Porompat JN Hospital Road; India Reserve Battalion (IRB) Havildar Chungkham Ibomcha (37) s/o Ch Shamu of Thongju Boroi Makhong; Salam Bijen (34) s/o S Gourababu of Uripok Sorbon thingel; and IRB rifleman Kshetrimayum Kenedy s/o Ksh Achou of Kongpal Chanam Leikai.

Apart from life imprisonment for raping and Rs 5000 penalty, the court held them guilty of causing grievous injury (IPC 324) to the victim which carries three years in jail with penalty of Rs 1000 each; kidnapping (IPC 367) entailing 10 years in jail and Rs 5000 fine; and 10 years jail term and Rs 5000 fine for robbery (IPC 392) .

An accused brought before the Court and inset the four convicts

Additional penalty of three years jail term and Rs 1000 fine under Arms Act was also slapped against L Rojit, along with the Judge declaring that the detention period would be increased in case the convicts do not cough up the monetary penalties served on them.

According to Special Public Prosecutor Ngangom Tejkumar, the Arms Act slapped against Rojit was on account of the accused person misusing service weapon in committing the crime.

Quoting the victim as saying that the four rapists disregarded her fervent appeal for mercy along with making derogatory comments, Tejkumar opined that the life sentence is appropriate for the crime committed against the lady merits most stringent form of punishment.

Informing that Member Secretary of Manipur State Legal Services Authority has recommended adequate compensation to the victim, the special Public Prosecutor confirmed formal notification by the Social Welfare Department to release compensation amount of Rs 1.50 lakh to enable the victim sustain a livelihood.

Welcoming the verdict, Kakamlunglu Kamei, convenor of the JAC formed in connection with the incident, expressed hope that quantum of punishment against the four convicts would deter individuals with criminal intention to think twice before committing such unpardonable acts.

Stating that Manipuri womenfolk would certainly sigh a huge relief at the Court decree, she however, affirmed that the JAC would not relent till the victim has been compensated satisfactorily.

It is pertinent to mention that the victim was waylaid near Bishnupur Pump House and taken to a primary school campus located at Irom Meijrao where she was gang-raped in the early hours of March 22, 2012 .