IMPHAL: In a significant ruling, a fast-track court in Manipur has sentenced a 54-year-old man to 20 years in prison for the heinous crime of raping a four-year-old girl in 2017. The convict, identified as a resident of Imphal East, has also been ordered to pay a fine of ₹1 lakh.
Presiding Judge W. Tonen Meitei stated in his order, “Rape and sexual assault destroy not only the physical being of a child but her spirit, innocence, and dignity. The judiciary must stand as the guardian of that innocence.” The conviction was made under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, which pertains to aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
Judge Tonen underscored the gravity of the offense, describing it as “a crime against humanity” and highlighted that “a child of four years was violated by one who was supposed to protect her.” The court rejected the defense’s argument of false implication due to family disputes, affirming that “minor procedural lapses cannot erase the powerful truth of a child’s voice.”
The prosecution presented evidence that the accused took the girl during a family gathering on October 8, 2017. Upon her return crying and reporting pain, a medical examination confirmed injuries consistent with sexual assault. Following a complaint by the girl’s father, the accused was arrested the next day.
During the trial, 11 witnesses, including the victim, her parents, medical experts, and the investigating officer, testified. The victim, who was seven at the time of her testimony, positively identified the perpetrator in court, and her statement remained unchallenged.
