IMPHAL: The Fast Track Special Court No. 1, Manipur, on Monday sentenced Khaidem Bishembhor alias Suresh Meitei (40) of Nongdam Maning Leikai, Imphal East, to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for committing sexual assault on a minor girl aged about 8 years, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012.
The court, presided over by Special Judge (POCSO) R.K. Memcha Devi, also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on the convict. In default of payment, he will undergo an additional four months of simple imprisonment.
Bishembhor was found guilty under Section 417 of the Indian Penal Code (cheating) and Section 6 of the POCSO Act (aggravated penetrative sexual assault). He was also earlier convicted in a related case Special Trial Case No. 13 of 2024 involving the friend of the same victim. The court ruled that the sentences in both cases would run concurrently, as the offences were committed on the same day and at the same place.
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During the sentencing hearing, the prosecution sought the maximum punishment, terming the crime “heinous” and calling for “exemplary punishment” to deter similar offences. The defence, however, pleaded for leniency, citing the convict’s family circumstances, including an ailing wife and two school-going children.
The court took into account the submissions from both sides, noting that Bishembhor had already undergone one year, three months, and fifteen days in custody (October 17, 2019 to February 2, 2021) during trial, which would be set off against the total sentence as per Section 428 of the Cr.P.C.
In addition, the court directed the Manipur State Legal Services Authority (MASLSA) to pay Rs 1.5 lakh compensation to the victim from the Victim Compensation Fund within 30 days, in accordance with the Home Department’s notification dated September 14, 2023. The amount is to be placed in a fixed deposit in the victim’s name to ensure its proper use.
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The convict was remanded to custody and committed to prison under warrant of commitment following the pronouncement of the order.
Copies of the judgment were furnished to the Member Secretary, MASLSA, the Superintendent of Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, and the victim’s family for information and compliance.