25 years RI for two convicts
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 22 2026: The Special Judge of the Fast Track Special Court No 1, Manipur, today sentenced two convicts - Dayananda Heikrujam and Sagolshem Sanahal to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for the gang rape of a minor girl in September 2021 .

On January 16, the same Court convicted Dayananda Heikrujam @ Diya (42), s/o Ibocha of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, Mayang Imphal, and Sagolshem Sanahal (41), s/o Mangi, also of Uchiwa Leirak Achouba, under Section 376(D) IPC for committing rape.

The convicts were brought before the Court from the Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa for the sentence hearing.

During the sentence hearing, the Court heard submissions of Special Public Prosecutor A Nilachandra and the defence counsels of the convicts.

The Special PP argued that the convicts committed a heinous crime against the victim, urging the Court to impose the maximum punishment.

He emphasized that the offence was committed by exploiting the victim, leaving her traumatized.

He also stated that a harsh sentence would serve as a deterrent, sending a clear message to society that such crimes should not be repeated.

On the other hand, convict Dayananda submitted that he is a 42-year-old man with a wife and two children.

He acknowledged his past as a drug addict but claimed that after rehabilitation, he reintegrated into society and is currently working as a counsellor at a drug rehabilitation center.

Similarly, convict Sanahal, who is unmarried and lives with his elderly parents and sister, also mentioned his past struggles with drug addiction but argued that, after rehabilitation, he had become a counsellor at a rehabilitation center.

The defence counsel for both convicts highlighted that they had no prior criminal record and were working to help others through their roles as counsellors.

They requested the Court to consider a lighter sentence, noting that the convicts had already undergone six months and four days of custody during the investigation and trial.

They requested these days to be deducted from the final sentence.

After hearing the submissions, the Court observed that the convicts had taken advantage of the victim's vulnerability, causing her lasting trauma.

The Court also acknowledged the suffering of the convicts' families.

Considering all aspects, the Court sentenced the two convicts to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 376(D) IPC .

Additionally, the convicts were fined Rs 50,000 each.

The Court further ruled that the time the convicts had already spent in custody would be deducted from their final sentence.

In a related order, the Court directed the department concerned to disburse Rs 8 lakh in compensation to the victim from the Victim Compensation Scheme within a month.

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