Court convicts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, July 01 2026: The Fast Track Special Court no 2 convicted 73-year-old Md Kora of Lilong Sangomsang Sukla Karong, presently residing at Lilong Chingkham on the charge of sexually assaulting a minor girl with a mental disability on January 19, 2013 .

The sentence hearing will take place on July 10 .

What the prosecution says

The case originated from a complaint lodged by the victim's mother, who stated that when she returned home from daily wage work at around 4.30 pm on January 19, 2013, she learned that her minor daughter had been sexually assaulted by Md Kora inside her residence when other family members were away.

The complainant stated that the accused was known to her, as he frequently visited their village for begging and occasionally took shelter there.

After learning of the incident, she informed local leaders and the police.

Based on the complaint, Thoubal police registered an FIR .

During the investigation, police conducted raids at the accused's residence on several occasions.

Subsequently, information was received that the accused was at Jiribam, and he was arrested on February 7, 2013 .

Upon completion of the investigation, the then Investigating Officer submitted the charge sheet against the accused for trial under the relevant provisions of the IPC and the POCSO Act.

During the trial, the prosecution examined 13 witnesses and produced 16 documentary exhibits and six material exhibits to establish the charges.

The defence examined two witnesses, including the accused himself and his wife.

During final arguments, Special Public Prosecutor Rakhi Golmei submitted that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt and sought conviction of the accused in accordance with law.

After considering the evidence and hearing both sides, the Fast Track Special Court no 2 convicted Md Kora under Section 3(a) of the POCSO Act, punishable under Section 4 of the Act.

The Court noted that although the convict was absent on the date of pronouncement of judgment, he had appeared before the Court on June 11, 2026, and was examined as defence witness no 2 .

The Court observed that the convict appeared physically weak and was unable to walk without assistance.

He was brought to the Courtroom in a wheelchair and was carried to the first-floor Courtroom with the help of others.

However, the Court held that the presence of the convict during the hearing on the quantum of sentence is mandatory.

Accordingly, it directed the issuance of a warrant of arrest and instructed the Officer-in-Charge of Lilong police station to execute the warrant and produce the convict before the Court on July 10 for sentencing.

The Court also directed the State Government to pay compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the victim for the mental trauma suffered as a result of the offence and during the course of investigation and trial.

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