DIMAPUR, JUNE 16 (MExN): A 30 year old man, identified as one Kunungoi Medeo, has been sentenced to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for the rape and aggravated sexual assault of a minor girl which occurred in Chozuba, Phek on September 21, 2021.
A press release from the Special Public Prosecutor, POSCO Act, Phek, Samuel Ritse informed that the judgment was pronounced on June 16, 2022.
The Court of Special Judge, POCSO Act, Phek, Mezivolu T Therieh held that “all the evidences lead to only one conclusion that the accused did commit rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault on the 8-year-old girl child victim who is known to him.”
“Accused evidently shows his pre-meditated mind to take the victim on the pretext of buying eatables and washing the van and commit the evil act of rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault in broad day light. Further, the accused was also found guilty for committing sexual assault and sexual harassment upon the girl child victim by outraging here modesty,” the order stated.
While pronouncing the sentence, the Special Judge held that "....it was therefore expected from the accused who is a father figure to the victim girl child that she should have been treated with love and care as she is staying in her aunt's house for study purpose. Instead, the accused committed an unforgivable act of committing rape and aggravated penetrative sexual assault on her.”
The case was investigated by UBI Lucy Doungel, OC, Women PS, Phek and Samuel Ritse, Special Public Prosecutor, POCSO Act, Phek led the prosecution.
The Court sentenced the accused to rigorous Imprisonment for a term of 20 years and fine of Rs 5,000. It directed that in default of payment of fine, the accused shall further undergo simple Imprisonment for a term of one year. It further sentenced the accused for commission of sexual assault under Section 354 of the IPC to a period of simple Imprisonment of 1 year and a fine of Rs 500 or in default of the payment of fine, simple Imprisonment of 2 months.
Also, for commission of sexual harassment upon the girl child victim, the accused was sentenced to simple imprisonment for a term of 6 months and fine of Rs 100 or in default of the payment of fine, simple Imprisonment of 1 month. The jail sentences shall run concurrently and out of the total fine amount of Rs 5600, deposited by the accused, Rs 5000 shall be immediately paid to the victim.
