Zunheboto, October 21 (MExN): A special court under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act convicted two men for sexual assault of a minor girl at VK Town under Zunheboto district in October 2020.
Special Judge, POCSO Act, Zunheboto, Ajongba Imchen has convicted an accused Vikato Labo, a 42-year-old Armed Branch Constable at VK Police Station to 20 years rigorous imprisonment under section 376 of the Indian Penal Code, read with sections 4 and 6 of POCSO Act for rape of minor girl. Another accused, identified as Mughavi Wotsami, 40, was sentenced to 10 years rigorous imprisonment under section 376/511 IPC, read with section 4 and 18 of POCSO Act for attempt to rape on minor girl, in connection to Session case No. 01/20 of GR 54/20 in corresponding to Zunheboto Women Police Station case No. 5/20, informed a press release from the Public Prosecutor, J Khetoholi Yeputhomi on Friday.
Accordingly, maximum victim compensation was awarded to the victim under the Victim Compensation Scheme, along with fines amounting to Rs 20,000 and Rs 5,000 imposed on Labo and Wotsami respectively. In default of the fine, Labo would have to undergo another 1 year of rigorous imprisonment and Wotsami for two months.
Notably, the Special Judge took exception to the fact that a male doctor had examined the victim of sexual assault/abuse.
“Section 27 (2) of the POCSO Act categorically stated that in case the victim is a girl child, the medical examination shall be conducted by a woman doctor,” the Special Judge underscored in his order.
Pulling up the medical officer and the Zunheboto Deputy Commissioner for violation of the Act, the Special Court strongly recommended that the DC take immediate steps to ensure that no girl victim of sexual assault is examined by male doctors henceforth.
The judgment was pronounced on October 21, 2022 and reported by Public Prosecutor Zunheboto, the release added.
