6 years RI for rape convict

By Our Staff Reporter
IMPHAL, Jul 18 : Judge W Tonen of Fast Track Special Court Number II today sentenced rape convict Ningthoujam Dhojo to six years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 for sexually assaulting a minor girl on August 18, 2017 somewhere in Thoubal district.
Ningthoujam Dhojo (30), s/o Ibungo of Samaram Maning Leikai was convicted on July 14 under Section 10 of POCSO Act.
He was produced before the Court from Manipur Central Jail at Sajiwa for sentence hearing today.
During the hearing, Special PP M Bishambhor submitted that Dhojo was convicted of committing the offence of aggravated sexual assault, punishable under Section 10 of the POCSO Act.
He further stated that crimes against female children in society are on the rise, and it is necessary to send a strong message to the public. The case deserves to be dealt with strictly to provide a deterrent punishment to the convict.
Given the grave nature of the offence under the POCSO Act, he prayed for the maximum punishment.
The Special PP also submitted that the victim, who is of tender age, should be given adequate compensation for the physical and mental agony, social stigma, and other hardships she has suffered.
On the other hand, the defence counsel submitted that the convict has no criminal antecedents and is not involved in any criminal cases, except for the present one.
The counsel also stated that the accused had fully cooperated during the investigation and trial. The defence counsel requested the Court to take a lenient view in this case and prayed for the minimum sentence.
The Court after hearing the submission of Special PP, defence counsel and on perusal of the material on record sentenced the convict to six years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 .
In default of payment of the fine, the convict has to undergo another 3 months of simple imprisonment, the Court ruled.
The Court, exercising its power under Section 33(8) of the POCSO Act, 2012, granted a compensation of Rs 4,00,000 to the victim for the mental trauma she suffered during the incident, as well as throughout the investigation and trial.
The compensation is to be paid by the State Government from the Victim Compensation Fund or any other appropriate scheme under Section 357-A of the CrPC.