Kohima, May 4 (MExN): A 64-year-old man has been sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment by the Principal District & Sessions Court, Kohima, after being convicted in a case involving the rape of an intellectually impaired woman in Sechu Zubza in 2019.
A press release issued from the office of the Public Prosecutor, Kohima, the court of Mezivolu T Therieh, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kohima, convicted the accused, Kevi Meru, under Sections 376(2)(l), 370(1) and 293 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) vide order dated April 30, 2026.
On May 4, 2026, the court sentenced the convict to 10 years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 10,000 for the offence under Section 376(2)(l) IPC. In default of payment, he will undergo one year of simple imprisonment. For the offence under Section 370 IPC, he was sentenced to seven years rigorous imprisonment with a fine of Rs 5,000, and in default, six months of simple imprisonment.
For the offence under Section 293 IPC, he was awarded one year simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs 1,000, and in default, one month of simple imprisonment. The sentences are to run concurrently.
Out of the total fine amount, Rs 6,000 is to be paid to the victim immediately to meet medical expenses and rehabilitation needs.
The trial court observed noted that the convict committed grave offences against a vulnerable and intellectually impaired victim, including rape, trafficking, and exposing her to obscene materials, and stated that such offences warrant stern and proportionate punishment to ensure justice and accountability.
The court also directed the Kohima District Legal Services Authority to coordinate with the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority to ensure payment of compensation to the victim in accordance with Section 357-A of the CrPC.
The case was investigated by UBSI M Tsuponi Ngullie of Women Police Station, Kohima. During the trial, 17 prosecution witnesses were examined. The State was represented by L Sashimongla Jamir, Special Public Prosecutor, Kohima, who established the guilt of the accused beyond reasonable doubt.
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