14 yrs RI for rapist, Rs 5 lakh compensation to victim
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 20 2022: Fast Track Special Court No 2, Manipur has sentenced one Leishangthem Khomei (48) of Haraorou Mayai Leikai to rigorous imprisonment for 14 years in connection with the rape of a minor girl and threatening to kill her if she disclosed the crime.

The court had convicted the accused under Section 6 of POCSO Act 2012 on Tuesday and the sentence pronounced on Thursday.

During the sentence hearing, the special public prosecutor observed how instances of sexual assault on minor girls are increasing in the state and informed the court that the accused is a grandfather to the victim by relation and the crime was committed in a well-planned manner.

Stating that it is high time to set an example to deter perpetrators of such crimes, the special PP appealed for stringent punishment of the convict.

On the other hand, the petitioner's counsel prayed that Khomei was not involved in any criminal cases before this crime and he is the sole bread winner of his family.

His wife is suffering from kidney disease and he has two children.

During the investigation pf the case, he stayed in jail and extended full cooperation during the trial, the counsel elaborated while praying for milder sentence.

After hearing both sides, the court awarded 14 years of rigorous imprisonment along with fine of Rs 5,000 .

In case of failure to pay the fine, he will stay another three months in jail, the court said.

The special PP also submitted to the court that the victim is suffering from physical and mental stress after the crime and appealed for passing an order to pay adequate compensation to the rape survivor.

Consequently, the court directed the state government to pay a compensation of Rs 5 lakh to the victim under Section 33(8) of POCSO Act 2012 and CrPC Section 357-A .

The compensation amount should be used in the study, medical treatment and future living of the victim.

The parents of the victim shall bear the responsibility for safe return of the victim to normal life, the court said, while directing DLSA and MSLSA to provide necessary assistance to the victim.

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