Manipur couple convicted for sexual assault of minor, man sent to 5-year jail

A man and his wife were convicted under different sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act by a Special Pocso Judge, Manipur on Friday. The primary accused, 58-year-old Moirangthem Ibochou Singh, was convicted under Section 10 of the Pocso Act for aggravated sexual assault, while his wife, Moirangthem Angouleima alias Abe Devi, was convicted under Section 21 of the Act for failing to report the offence. The third accused, Hawaibam Manglemjao Singh, was acquitted of all charges.

The judgement was delivered by Special Judge (POCSO) RK Memcha Devi. During the sentencing, the Special Public Prosecutor argued for maximum punishment, stressing that crimes against children are heinous and must be dealt with strictly to send a strong message to society.

The prosecution urged that no leniency be shown, pointing out that the accused betrayed the trust of a minor who looked up to him as a father figure.

The defence, however, sought leniency, highlighting that the convict had no prior criminal record, was supporting his wife and children and had already undergone six months in custody during the trial. It was also submitted that harsh punishment would jeopardise the future of his dependent family.

After considering the arguments, the court awarded Moirangthem Ibochou Singh the minimum punishment of five years rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50,000, with a default sentence of three months simple imprisonment in case of non-payment.

The period already spent in custody (six months and 16 days) will be set off against his sentence under Section 428 of CrPC.

As for co-convict Moirangthem Angouleima, the court sentenced her to six months' imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20,000 under Section 21 of the POCSO Act. However, since she had already spent seven months in custody during the investigation, her sentence was deemed undergone and she was released with bail bonds cancelled.

The court further directed that the victim be compensated. Apart from the Rs 50,000 fine imposed on the convict, the state government has been ordered to pay Rs 1.5 lakh as compensation from the Victim Compensation Fund within 30 days, to be deposited in the victim’s account or as a fixed deposit for her welfare.

In her order, Judge Rk Memcha Devi emphasised that while leniency was granted in view of the convict’s family circumstances, the offence remains a grave violation of a child’s rights and a breach of trust.

She reiterated that crimes against children cannot be tolerated and must be addressed firmly within the framework of law.

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