Man gets 10-year jail term for rape

Court of Principal District and Sessions, Kohima has sentenced a 64-year-old man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping an intellectually impaired woman in 2019.
In an order dated April 30, 2026, Principal District and Sessions Judge Mezivolu T. Therieh, convicted Kevi Meru under Sections 376(2)(l), 370 and 293 of the Indian Penal Code for the offence at Sechu Zubza.
In its sentencing order on May 4, the court awarded 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 376(2)(l) IPC, with a default sentence of one year of simple imprisonment.
For the offence under Section 370 IPC, the convict was sentenced to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and fined Rs 5,000, with a default sentence of six months. Under Section 293 IPC, he was awarded one year of simple imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000, with a default sentence of one month. All sentences would run concurrently.
The court directed that Rs 6,000 from the fine be paid to the victim for immediate medical and rehabilitation needs. It also asked the Kohima District Legal Services Authority (KDLSA) to coordinate with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) to ensure compensation under Section 357-A CrPC.
Observing that the law affords equal protection to all, the court said the offences committed against a vulnerable victim warranted stern and proportionate punishment. The case was investigated by UBSI M. Tsuponi Ngullie of Women Police Station, Kohima. A total of 17 prosecution witnesses were examined. Special public prosecutor L. Sashimongla Jamir led the prosecution.
In a press release, assistant public prosecutor Vilika Chishi said the conviction resulted from coordinated efforts by police, prosecution and witnesses.