The Court of Special Judge (POCSO), Ukhrul W Tonen Meitei, on Saturday sentenced a man convicted of sexually assaulting his 12-year-old niece to 16-year rigorous imprisonment under section 3 of the POCSO Act, 2012. The court has also ordered to fine Rs 20,000 under section 4 (1) (2) of the POCSO Act, 2012.
The convict Babul Kol, 39, son of Babula Kol of Srigona, Silchar, who is staying in Ukhrul district at present brought the minor girl from Silchar to Ukhrul in October 2015 so that she may attend school. She got admitted to class III at a school located in Ukhrul district while staying with the convict. Since March 2016, Babul has been repeatedly committing sexual assault against her till a complaint was lodged before the OC Women Police Station of Ukhrul.
In the sentence order, the court stated that the convicted man has been in judicial custody from April 27, 2016 till date; therefore, the period of detention undergone by him should be set off against the sentence of imprisonment. It stated that the fine imposed against him should be given within two years, failing which he should undergo another six months rigorous imprisonment.
The court had convicted him on January 21 for sexually assaulting his 12-year-old niece.
The court further directed to furnish compensation under the victim compensation scheme, National Legal Services Authority as well as the State Legal Services Authority. It stated that since there is provision under section 357A of the CrPC, it is peremptory that adequate compensation should be awarded to the minor victim and her family members.
It stated that the compensation to the minor victim should be paid by the state government under the victim compensation scheme through district legal service authority, Ukhrul, in consultation with Manipur State Legal Services Authority. In the order, the court specially acknowledged and lauded the duty and performance put up by the investigating officer of the case, namely SI Vashum Meena, who is also the officer-in-charge of Women Police Station, Ukhrul.
