Kohima court sentences woman to 7 years for newborn’s death

The Principal District and Sessions Court, Kohima, has sentenced Roshni Basnet (28) to seven years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 304 Part II of the IPC for causing the death of her newborn. The court convicted her on March 23 in connection with a May 22, 2022 incident at Oking Hospital, where she delivered the baby in a bathroom and allegedly threw the infant from a second-floor window. The newborn was found in a drainage and later succumbed to injuries.
The prosecution examined 11 witnesses, with Special Public Prosecutor Sashimongla Jamir representing the State and ASI Venus Kikon investigating. Judge Mezivolu T Therieh noted the offense showed serious disregard for life but observed the act was committed in distress and the accused was a first-time offender. A fine of ` 5,000 was also imposed.
Additional Public Prosecutor Abraham commended the coordinated efforts of the investigation and prosecution teams.