Rapist served 10 years imprisonment

SHILLONG, SEPT 27: The court of the session judge of West Jaintia hills district on Tuesday convicted a raped accused to 10 years rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs 5000 for raping a minor girl in 2011.

In its judgement pronounced on Tuesday, the lower court said, “Taking into consideration the nature of the offence, ends of justice will be met if accused is sentence to a period of 10 years rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs 5000 and in default of payment of fine the accused is to serve another 1 year simple imprisonment.”

In December 2, 2011 a case was filed against Small Phawa for raping a minor at Riatsiatsim, Jowai in West Jaintia hills district on November 30, 2011.

The court has also directed that the convicted accused should be taken into custody to serve out his sentence.

Earlier during the hearing, public prosecutor Y Shylla submitted that in view of nature of the offence maximum punishment with fine may be imposed against the accused.

However the defence counsel S Charkravarty submitted that the sentence may be reduced considering the age of the accused who is 33 years old.

The court also directed that the victim should be given compensation as envisaged under the Meghalaya Victim Compensation Scheme, 2014.

“The victim in this case is to be given compensation of Rs 1 lakh to be paid by the District Legal Service Authority of West Jaintia hills district within a period of 90 days,” it stated in its order.

The court further stated that the operation of the account and procedure of payment is to be decided by the District Legal Service Authority as per the scheme and accordingly submit a report of compliance.-By Our Reporter