Rape convict sentenced to 20 yrs RI
Source: Chronicle News Service
Imphal, July 31 2023:
Fast Track Special Court No 1 Manipur on Monday sentenced Thokchom Suraj (36) of Keishamthong Moirang Ningthou Leirak, who has been convicted of raping a minor, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
During the sentence hearing, the Special public prosecutor (SPP) pointed out that as Suraj was convicted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, there is no option left other than facing jail term for 20, life imprisonment with fine or capital punishment as per the provision of the said section.
The convict, at the time of the crime, worked as a technician in the ECG Room of RIMS and the victim was only 13 years old.
He took advantage of his post and committed the barbaric and most heinous crime upon the victim, without any shred of humanity.
Thus, the Special PP urged for awarding befitting punishment to set an example for the future of the society.
The defence counsel submitted that the convict is only 35 years old and he has no crime record.
Thus, the counsel made a prayer for awarding minimum punishment on humanitarian ground and further appealed for commutating the time he spent in judicial custody during the trial period from the total sentence.
After listening to the submission of the Special PP, the victim's counsel and the defence counsel, the court sentenced Suraj to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.
It also ordered him to pay a fine of Rs 10,000, failing which he would have to stay in jail for three more months.
The court further ordered for commuting the 2 years; 7 months and 27 days he spent in judicial custody during the trial period, from the sentence under Section 428 of CrPC.
Thus, Suraj would serve rigorous imprisonment of 17 years, 4 months and 3 days i.e., till December 3, 2024, or till March 3,2041, provided he is unable to pay the fine mentioned above.
Observing that the victim still needs counselling, medical and rehabilitation treatment, and expenses, the court awarded a compensation of Rs 1.5 lakh to the victim under Victim Compensation Scheme or Section 357-A of CrPC or under the varied schemes of the state government.