Man from Srikona sentenced for 16-year jail term for sexually assaulting his niece

Jan. 30: In a bizarre incident, a 39-year-old man, resident of Srikona in Cachar district was convicted for sexually assaulting his 12-year-old niece in Ukhrul district of Manipur. As per reports, the accused identified as Babul Kol stays at Ukhrul district. He brought along with him his minor niece from Silchar on the pretext of admitting her in school in October 2015. Though he admitted the girl in a school at Ukhrul, but at the same time, he went on sexually assaulting her. Finally, the girl somehow filed a complaint at Women Police Station of Ukhrul.

A case was registered as special trial (POCSO) case before the court. The Court of Special Judge (POCSO), Ukhrul W Tonen Meitei on 20 January observed that the offence committed by the accused falls within the ambit of section 3 of POCSO Act and punishable under section 4 of POCSO Act. The court observed that the prosecution had proved without any reasonable doubt that the accused had committed penetrative sexual assault to the minor victim girl, who was brought from Silchar with a promise to give education, attracting the offence under section 3 of POCSO Act, 2012.

On January 21, the court pronounced the quantum of punishment. The accused babul Kol (39) was sentenced to16-year rigorous imprisonment under section 3 of the POCSO Act, 2012. The court has also ordered to fine Rs 20,000 under section 4 (1) (2) of the POCSO Act, 2012. The court stated that the fine imposed against him should be given within two years, failing which he should undergo another six months rigorous imprisonment. The court further stated that since there is provision under section 357A of the CrPC, it is peremptory that adequate compensation should be awarded to the minor victim and her family members.