IT News
Imphal, April 30,
Session Judge of Imphal East, Maibam Manojkumar today sentenced 8 (eight) years rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs. 25, 000/- to a 45 years old rapist Moirangthem Gambhir of Moirang Khunou in Bishnupur district. The court also ordered for compensation of Rs. 5,00,000/- to the rape victim.
The case began against the convict after the father of the victim lodged a complaint to Women PS Imphal East on July 22, 2015, stating that on July 19, his daughter (the victim) was abducted by the convict at around 1.30 pm to force her to become his wife.
The accused Gambhir was arrested soon after the complaint.
During the trial, statements of 9 prosecution witnesses were recorded and the accused examination was held on November 22 last year.
During the trial, the convict pleaded that he and the victim had eloped on July 19, 2015, to become husband and wife and denied the charge of rape.
However, he did not produce any witnesses in his defense.
On final hearing of the case, the Court heard the submission of public Prosecutor for the State and A Kumarjit, defense counsel of the convict in length.
After carefully going through the case records and the statement of the victim, the Court came to the conclusion that the prosecution has proven beyond reasonable doubt that the convict raped the victim.
However, the Court also ruled that the prosecution has failed to prove that the victim girl was abducted and concealed by the convict forcibly.
Hence the Court acquitted M Gambhir from the charge of kidnapping and concealing the victim but convicted him for rape and announced the sentence today.
