Man sentenced to 30 years RI for sexually assaulting own child
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, May 27 2025: RK Memcha, Special Judge of the Fast Track Special Court Manipur I, has sentenced a 30-year-old habitual offender to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting his own child on March 30, 2022, in an incident that fell under the jurisdiction of the Lamphel Police Station.

The same Court, had on May 21, convicted the habitual offender under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, following a trial based on the charge sheet filed by Women Sub-Inspector S Renubala Devi, the Investigating Officer in the case.

The identity of the convict has been withheld to protect the identity of the minor victim.

The convict was produced before the Court from Manipur Central Jail Sajiwa for sentence hearing today.

During the sentence hearing, the Court heard the submission of Special PP A Nilachandra and the defence counsel.

The Special PP submitted that the crime committed by the convict was heinous and merciless, warranting the maximum punishment prescribed by law.

Given that the convict, who was supposed to protect and care for his own child, committed the offence, the Special PP sought an exemplary punishment to serve as a deterrent and a message to society that crimes against children will not be tolerated.

Notably, the convict had previously been convicted in Special Trial (POCSO) Case No.15 of 2019 by the Fast Track Court, Manipur.

Therefore, the Special PP urged the Court to consider imposing a life imprisonment sentence.

The defence counsel, on the other hand, argued that the convict still has potential for reform and rehabilitation, and thus prayed for a lenient sentence as per the law.

Additionally, the defence counsel submitted that the convict has already spent 3 years and 26 days in custody related to the case, and requested that this period be set off against the sentence of imprisonment.

The Court, having heard both the Special PP and the defence counsel, sentenced the convict to 30 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000, with an additional 3 months of simple imprisonment in case of default.

Taking into account the time already spent in custody, the Court ordered that the convict's sentence be adjusted accordingly.

Since the Convict has been in judicial custody from April 1, 2022, and has served 3 years and 26 days, this period will be deducted from the total sentence of 30 years.

Therefore, the convict will serve a remaining sentence of 26 years, 11 months, and 4 days.

The Court, meanwhile, directed the State Government to provide Rs 4 lakh in compensation to the victim and their family, considering the victim's trauma and need for rehabilitation.

It may be mentioned that the same convict was previously sentenced by the Fast Track Special Court 2, Manipur, on February 23, 2024, to undergo 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for committing rape on another minor victim on August 24, 2017, in Imphal East district.

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