Absconding POCSO convict re-arrested after four years in Dimapur, sentenced to 20 years for repeatedly sexually assaulting his stepdaughter
DIMAPUR — A man who jumped bail and remained on the run for four years while awaiting judgement in a child sexual assault case has been re-arrested in Dimapur and sentenced to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment.
A press note issued by the office of the Special Public Prosecutor, Fast Track Special Court (FTSC), Dimapur, informed that 33-year-old Lanuchuchang Walling, currently residing at Dobagaon in Dimapur, was traced and arrested on July 13 after absconding while on interim bail.
The accused had been granted ad interim bail on March 16, 2022, but failed to appear before the court during the pronouncement of judgement and remained at large for four years. Following his re-arrest, he was produced before the court and remanded to custody to undergo the sentence awarded.
The court sentenced him to 20 years' rigorous imprisonment under Section 376(3) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and another 20 years' rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. He was also sentenced to 10 years' rigorous imprisonment under Section 376(2)(f)(i)(n) IPC. All three sentences will run concurrently.
Additionally, the court awarded him six months' simple imprisonment under Section 229A IPC for failing to appear before the court while on bail. He was also directed to forfeit his bail bond of INR 1 lakh to the state exchequer within one month.
The judgement was authored by retired Special Judge (POCSO) Khrulto Koso following the trial and was pronounced on July 22 by Special Judge (POCSO) Khesheli Chishi after the accused person’s re-arrest.
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According to the prosecution, the case originated from a complaint lodged at 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 confirmed she was carrying a foetus of about 20 to 22 weeks at the time the FIR was filed.
While convicting the accused, the court observed that he had occupied a position of trust as the victim's stepfather and had gravely abused that trust by exploiting her vulnerability, holding that the circumstances warranted no leniency.
The Special Public Prosecutor stated that the successful re-arrest after four years reflected the diligence and perseverance of the investigating officer in ensuring that the judicial process was completed and justice delivered.