Court of Special Judge, POCSO Act, Phek has sentenced a retired Armed Branch Sub Inspector (ABSI) to 20 years rigorous imprisonment raping a minor girl in Phek district on July 28, 2021.
The accused identified as one Kuripra Veswuh (76), put to trial for offences under Section 4, 8 and 11 of the POCSO Act for committing penetrative sexual assault and sexually harassing the five-year-old girl child.
In her judgment pronounced on September 6, 2022, the Court of Special Judge, POCSO Act, Phek Mezivolu T Therieh stated that the victim girl who calls the accused Apotsa (grandfather) expected to show love and care and nurture her character and morality, became a prey to his lust.
“This ghastly act does not permit me to shown leniency,” the judge said and sentenced the accused for commission of penetrative sexual assault with Rigorous Imprisonment for a term of 20 years and fine of Rs. 5000. In default of payment of fine, the order said the accused would further undergo Simple Imprisonment for a term of one year.
The judgment lauded the state government for granting a sum of Rs.4 lakh on account of victim compensation scheme sanctioned by Home Department, Relief and Rehabilitation, Government of Nagaland as interim relief.
The judgment also appreciated the timely action of Lucy Doungel, Unarmed Branch Inspector, which certainly helped the state government in bringing justice to the vulnerable section of the society. The court strongly recommend the state government to adequately reward the Investigation Officer for ably discharging her duties as a police officer in bringing the wrongdoer to justice.
The case was investigated by I.O UBI Lucy Doungel, O.C. Women P.S, Phek and Samuel Ritse, special public prosecutor, POCSO Act, Phek led the prosecution.