Accused convicted
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, April 20 2018: In a landmark judgement, Maibam Manojkumar, Special Judge POCSO Imphal West judgement convicted a 37 year old rape accused under section 6 of 'Prevention of Children from Sexual offense (POCSO) Act today.

The judgement was announced before the open Court after the final hearing of the special POCSO trial was held on April 5.The convict Saglosem Ranbir Meitei (37) of Maibam Sagolsem Leikai (presently staying at Mayang Imphal Konchak Mayai Leikai) was produced before the Court from Judicial custody of Sajiwa Central Jail.

The judgment order stated that on July 13, 2015, the mother of the victim girl lodged a complaint to OC Mayang Imphal PS stating that her minor daughter (then 12 years old) who was staying at a boarding houseat Mayang Imphal Konchak Mayai Leikai, was raped at the boarding by the convict Sagolsem Ranbir who also happened to be the owner cum teacher of the said establishment, after threatening her repeatedly.

It was also stated that as the minor victim was three months pregnant, the convict and his mother, along with the victim went to a clinic for abortion on July 12 (2015) and as such the case was taken up by the police and the convict and his mother were arrested.

After the completion of the investigation by the 10 of the case, Soram Renubala (then SI of Women PS, Imphal West) submitted the charge sheet before the court against the convict and his mother under section 6 and 17 of POCSO Act.

Charge was framed against the convict on February 16, under section 6 of POCSO Act 2012 but his mother was discharged from the case.

During the two years and two months long trial of the case, the Court heard the submission of 13 prosecution witnesses from the side of prosecution while no prosecution witness was produced from the side of convict.

The Court concluded that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the convict Saglosem Ranbir committed penetrative sexual assault on the victim who was staying in the boarding home run by the convict, repeatedly, and as such convicted Sagolsem Ranbir under section 6 of POCSO Act.

On the other hand, the victim's mother and family members tried to attack the convict while he was being escorted back to the prisoner van from the Court room after the announcement of judgment order.

It may be mentioned that incident came to light when the minor victim was rushed to Mayang Imphal Primary health centre after she vomited in the class room and it was revealed that she was three months pregnant.

When the victim disclosed the identity of the rapist as the convict Saglosem Ranbir, irate locals and family members dismantled the establishment run by the convict apart from thrashing the convict before handing him over to Mayang Imphal PS.

The Court also fixed the April 24 for announcing the quantum of punishment for the accused.

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