Man charged under POCSO sentenced to 20 yrs R.I.

Dimapur, Jul 24 (NPN): A man convicted under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment after being re-arrested four years after absconding while on interim bail.
According to a press release issued by Imlimongla Special Public Prosecutor, Fast Track Special Court (FTSC), Dimapur, the accused Lanuchuchang Walling (33) of Dibuia village, residing at Dobagaon, Dimapur, was found guilty under the POCSO Act and relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code after the court concluded that the prosecution had proved the charges beyond reasonable doubt.
The case arose from a complaint lodged at the Women Police Station, Dimapur, on June 8, 2021.
The victim, then a 13-year-old Class VIII student, alleged that her stepfather had repeatedly sexually assaulted her in the absence of her mother. A medical examination later confirmed that she was carrying a fetus of approximately 20 to 22 weeks at the time the FIR was registered.
Walling had been granted ad interim bail on March 16, 2022, but absconded before the pronouncement of judgment.
After remaining at large for nearly four years, he was traced to a rented house at Dobagaon and re-arrested on July 13, 2026, by the investigating officer, SI Tajungsangla. Authorities stated that his re-arrest ensured that the judicial process could be completed and the sentence carried out.
The trial was originally conducted by retired Special Judge (POCSO) Khrulto Koso of the Fast Track Special Court, Dimapur. Following the accused’s re-arrest, the judgment and sentence were pronounced in open court on July 22, 2026, by Special Judge (POCSO) Khesheli Chishi.
The court sentenced Walling to 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 376(2)(f)(i)(n) IPC, 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 376(3) IPC, and 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the POCSO Act. Each conviction also carries a fine of Rs. 5,000, with six months’ simple imprisonment in default of payment. The substantive sentences will run concurrently.
In addition, he was awarded six months’ simple imprisonment under Section 229A IPC for failing to appear before the court while on bail, with this sentence to run separately. The court also ordered forfeiture of his Rs. 1 lakh bail bond, directing that it be deposited into the State Exchequer within one month.
In its judgment, the court observed that the accused had abused a position of trust and exploited the victim’s vulnerability. Holding that the offence deserved no leniency, the court said the case reaffirmed the justice system’s resolve to deal firmly with crimes against children and ensure that offenders cannot evade the due process of law.