Dimapur Special POCSO Court sentenced two men to 20 years each in separate child sexual assault convictions
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DIMAPUR — A Fast Track Special Court (POCSO) in Dimapur has convicted and sentenced two men in separate cases involving sexual offences against minors, awarding 20 years of imprisonment in each case.
In one case, the court sentenced Helminthang of Khaibung village to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment after convicting him of penetrative sexual assault of a minor in a case registered in 2020.
In the second case, the Special POCSO Court convicted Holotoka Yepthomi, a driver employed at a children’s home in Medziphema, and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape and sexual assault of a minor, with the sentences to run concurrently.
According to information issued by the office of the Special Public Prosecutor, Dimapur, the first case arose from a complaint lodged at the Women Police Station on August 17, 2020, by the victim’s elder sister after medical anomalies reportedly came to light.
The investigation was conducted by SI Gloria Jami, who submitted the chargesheet supported by medical and documentary evidence.
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The prosecution, led by Special Public Prosecutor Imlimongla, presented medical and witness evidence before the court. After hearing the matter, the Special Court, presided over by Judge Khesheli Chishi, found the accused guilty under Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act read with Sections 323 and 354 of the Indian Penal Code.
The court sentenced the convict to rigorous imprisonment for 20 years under Section 4 of the POCSO Act. It further awarded three years’ imprisonment under Section 354 IPC and one year under Section 323 IPC, and imposed a fine of INR 10,000 to be paid to the victim.
In the second case, the prosecution stated that the offences took place in June–July 2016. The accused, then employed as a driver at a children’s home in Medziphema, was accused of raping a 14-year-old girl and subsequently subjecting her to continued sexual harassment.
The case was registered on October 21, 2017, following an FIR lodged by the victim. During trial, the prosecution examined 10 witnesses.
According to the prosecution, the court held that the victim’s testimony was clear, consistent and reliable, and observed that it was corroborated by medical opinion.
The court rejected arguments regarding delay in lodging the FIR and held that the delay was attributable to the victim’s circumstances and trauma.
Judgement in the case was pronounced on May 15 and the court sentenced Holotoka Yepthomi to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 376 IPC and 10 years under Section 4 of the POCSO Act, with both sentences ordered to run concurrently. The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Dimapur, to take steps for victim compensation and rehabilitation.
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Child Helpline (24x7): 1098
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Women Helpline: 181 / 1091
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Women Police Station, Dimapur: 7085055037
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