Morung Express News
Kohima | July 27
Two persons were convicted in two separate rape cases by the Principal Districts & Sessions Court, Kohima on July 25 and 26. This was informed to the media by Public Prosecutor Kathu Rengma on July 27.
In one of the cases, concerning the rape of a minor by her own father in 2015, the accused, identified as one Athirü Mao (41) was convicted and sentenced for 10 years prison. During the time of the incident, the accused and his 14 year old daughter were residing in Kenuozou colony Kohima, where neighbours had often heard the cries of the daughter in the middle of the night. The neighbours then enquired about the incident to the daughter, after which she revealed incidents of rape which had been going on for almost two months (April and May).
The neighbours informed the District Child Protection Officer, who took up the case and filed a complaint, following which investigation was taken up by the police.
“A lot depends on the Investigating Officer. She put up a strong case after which the trial began where witnesses were examined inclusive of civilian witnesses and Police,” said Rengma, who also pointed out that the cooperation and willingness of the civilian witnesses is very crucial in the case, which can provide a strong base for the case. The Public Prosecutor also acknowledged the courage of the victim for giving her statement on camera.
After almost two years, the accused was convicted on July 25 to ten years in prison and will be placed in the state central jail. Meanwhile, the victim has been compensated by the Government with Rs 1 Lakh. The Public Prosecutor also noted that sometimes the trial takes time due to the delayed appearance of witnesses in the court.
On 26 July, another accused was convicted of rape against a minor (12 years) and sentenced to 10 years.
The accused, identified as one Macü-o Rhutsu (54) admitted the incident to a female relative of the victim, fearing that the minor may be pregnant. He however claimed that the act was committed with consent, expressing his wish to marry the victim too.
However, on further enquiry the victim stated that the accused had raped her five times during the day when villagers attended to their fields. The accused is also said to have threatened the minor not to disclose the incident to anyone.
The matter was taken up by the Southern Angami Woman Organisation (SAWO), who filed a case under the Khuzama Police Station.
While the accused had maintained that the act was consensual, the Public Prosecutor stated that even if the victim had given consent, Indian law does not recognize consensual sex for females below the age of 18 years under the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
“Let people know that there is a court doing justice. These days people do not have faith in the Court but justice is being served and we try our best to see that the guilty is convicted,” said the Public Prosecutor.
