Two convicted in separate POCSO cases in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, MAY 25 (NPN): Courts in Dimapur have convicted and sentenced two men in separate cases involving sexual assault and rape of minor girls under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
In the first case, the Fast Track Special Court (POCSO), Dimapur, sentenced Helminthang of Khaibung village to 24 years of rigorous imprisonment for committing penetrative sexual assault on a minor in 2020 at Khaibung village.
Special Judge Khesheli Chishi found the accused guilty under Section 4 of the POCSO Act read with Sections 323 and 354 IPC.
According to the prosecution, the case was registered at the Women Police Station on August 17, 2020, following a complaint lodged by the victim’s elder sister after medical anomalies came to light.
The investigation was conducted by SI Gloria Jami, who filed the chargesheet supported by medical and documentary evidence. Special Public Prosecutor Imlimongla presented witness testimonies and scientific evidence before the court.
The court awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 4 of the POCSO Act, three years under Section 354 IPC and one year under Section 323 IPC. The convict was also directed to pay a fine of Rs. 10,000 to the victim.
In another case, the Special POCSO Court, Dimapur, sentenced Holotoka Yepthomi to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape and repeated sexual harassment of a minor girl at Little Light Home Orphanage, Medziphema.
The court convicted the accused under Section 376 IPC and Section 4 of the POCSO Act in connection with offences committed in 2016, when the victim was 14 years old.
The case was registered on October 21, 2017, by investigating officer SI Lucy Doungel following an FIR lodged by the victim.
According to the prosecution, the accused, who was employed as the orphanage driver, sexually assaulted the victim inside the orphanage between June and July 2016 and continued harassing her thereafter, eventually forcing her to flee the institution.
During the trial, Special Public Prosecutor Imlimongla examined 10 witnesses.
The court held that the testimony of the victim was clear, consistent and reliable, and noted that it was corroborated by medical evidence presented by Dr. Ngopelo K.
The court also dismissed defence arguments regarding delay in lodging the FIR, observing that the delay resulted from the victim’s trauma, helplessness and lack of institutional support. It further ruled that the hostility of some witnesses did not weaken the prosecution’s case.
The court sentenced Holotoka Yepthomi to undergo 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 376 IPC and another 10 years under Section 4 of the POCSO Act. Both sentences will run concurrently. The convict has been remanded to Central Jail, Dimapur, to serve the sentence.
Further, the court directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dimapur, to take immediate steps for awarding victim compensation for the survivor’s long-term rehabilitation and welfare.