PHEK, FEBRUARY 9 (MExN): Special Judge for Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POSCO) Act under Phek district on February 9 sentenced a man to 20 years imprisonment after convicting him for the offence of sexual assault on a minor girl. The crime was committed on August 13, 2023. According to a press release issued by Samuel Ritse, Public Prosecutor, the accused identified as Vejoyi Rhakho was convicted under section 4 (2) of POSCO Act 2012 as amended in the year 2019 which was introduced to give more stringent punishment including the death penalty for committing sexual crime on children with a view to deter the perpetrators and prevent such crime against children. The prosecution was able to prove the guilt beyond all reasonable doubt based on the statement of the prosecution witnesses supported by the medical report, the press release informed. The minor victim having suffered trauma and physical injury and dishonor to her dignity perpetuated by the accused, the Special Court also recommended an amount of Rs 1 Lakh to be paid to the victim under victim compensation scheme 2012. The case was investigated by UBI Lucy Doungel.
