Imphal, July 30: The Fast Track Special Court No. 1 in Manipur has sentenced Abdul Rahaman @ Ibomcha, aged 37, from Bishnupur district to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a 14-year-old minor girl under Section 4 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The conviction stems from an incident that occurred on November 15, 2013, when the convict was a bachelor. He was first taken into custody on November 17, 2013, and remained in judicial custody until May 19, 2014. The court ordered that this period be set off against the current sentence under Section 428 CrPC.
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During the sentence hearing, the Special Public Prosecutor urged the court to impose the maximum punishment, citing the heinous nature of the crime. The defense, however, appealed for leniency, stating that Rahaman is now a father of four, including a disabled daughter, and supports an extended family. He currently runs a small tea stall in Churachandpur.
Taking all submissions into account, the court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 Lakh on the convict, with an additional one year of simple imprisonment in default of payment.
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Further, the court directed the Manipur government to pay Rs 4,00,000 as compensation to the victim from the Victim Compensation Fund within 30 days, citing the need for rehabilitation and treatment.
The convict was taken into custody immediately following the sentencing.