PHEK, APRIL 22 (MExN): A Special Court in Phek has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor girl with a physical disability. The incident occurred in September 2023 when the 12-year-old victim, who is non-verbal and unable to walk, was alone at home.
The court found the accused, Zhopa Keyho, guilty under Section 376(1) of the Indian Penal Code and Sections 4 and 8 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The judgment was delivered by Special Judge Mezivolu T Therieh on April 22.
According to the court, the prosecution presented corroborating evidence including the victim’s statement, medical and forensic reports, and a confession by the accused. Based on this, the court sentenced Keyho to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for rape and penetrative sexual assault, and an additional three years for sexual assault. Both sentences will run concurrently.
Keyho, who had been out on bail, was taken back into custody following the sentencing. The court further directed the Nagaland State Government to pay Rs 5 lakh to the victim as compensation within 30 days. A copy of the judgment has been forwarded to the Home Department for necessary action.
The case was prosecuted by Special Public Prosecutor Zheviholi Swu. The investigation was conducted by UBI Sentiba and UBI Lucy Doungel. The court acknowledged that the prompt filing of the FIR and timely collection of forensic evidence contributed to the conviction.
