In a significant verdict that reinforces the fight against child sexual abuse, a special POCSO court in Arunachal Pradesh has delivered justice by sentencing a convict to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of a minor girl.
Court Delivers Strong Verdict in Child Sexual Abuse Case
The Special Judge (POCSO) court at Pasighat in East Siang district pronounced the judgment against Bomdo Tali, holding him guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The court awarded 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the brutal crime committed against the underage survivor.
The legal proceedings culminated after a thorough trial where the evidence presented by the prosecution proved compelling enough to secure conviction. Apart from the primary sentence for rape, the court also imposed additional penalties for other offenses committed during the crime.
Case Timeline and Police Investigation
The horrifying incident came to light on November 27, 2023, when the victim filed a formal written complaint at the Pasighat Women Police Station. The young survivor bravely came forward to report that Tali had sexually assaulted her, initiating the legal process that would eventually lead to his conviction.
Based on the First Information Report (FIR), authorities registered a case under Sections 342, 354B, and 376 of the Indian Penal Code, along with Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The case registration reflected the seriousness of the offenses, combining charges of wrongful confinement, criminal force with intent to disrobe, and rape of a minor.
Diligent Police Work Ensures Justice
The investigation, led by Inspector Ojum Riba, who was then the officer-in-charge of the Women Police Station, proved crucial in building a strong case against the perpetrator. East Siang Superintendent of Police Pankaj Lamba publicly commended Inspector Riba for her diligent and professional investigation that ultimately ensured successful prosecution.
In an official statement released on Tuesday, SP Lamba highlighted how the inspector's meticulous work created an unassailable case that left no room for the accused to escape justice. The police department recognized her contribution as instrumental in securing the conviction.
Complete Breakdown of Court Sentence
The special judge delivered a comprehensive sentence that addressed each aspect of the crime committed by Tali:
- 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the POCSO Act for raping a minor
- Six months of simple imprisonment under Section 342 IPC for wrongful confinement
- Three years imprisonment and Rs 5,000 fine under Section 354B IPC for using criminal force with intent to disrobe
- Rs 10,000 fine under Section 376(3) IPC specifically for the rape of a minor under sixteen years
The multiple sentences reflect the court's approach to penalizing each criminal act separately, ensuring that justice is served for every violation committed against the survivor.
Police Appeal for Community Vigilance
SP Pankaj Lamba used this occasion to appeal to the public regarding the importance of community participation in preventing sexual crimes. He urged citizens to remain vigilant against sexual abuse and emphasized the need for immediate reporting of any incidents involving children or women.
The senior police official specifically requested community members to promptly report any suspicious activities or crimes to the nearest police station or helpline numbers to enable swift intervention. This, he stressed, could prevent further victimization and help authorities take immediate action against perpetrators.
SP Lamba further praised Inspector Riba for her exceptional efforts, sincerity, and professionalism in handling the sensitive case, noting that her dedication played a pivotal role in delivering justice to the survivor and her family.
The case stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the POCSO Act in dealing with crimes against children and demonstrates how coordinated efforts between the judiciary and law enforcement can ensure that justice prevails in even the most challenging circumstances.
