Shillong, Feb 24: A Special POCSO Court in West Jaintia Hills has sentenced a man to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting his 11-year-old stepdaughter and threatening her to keep silent.
The conviction was pronounced on February 24 by the Court of the Special Judge (POCSO), West Jaintia Hills, Jowai.
The accused, identified as Duh Timung of Barato village, was found guilty under Section 5(m)/6 of the POCSO Act and Section 506 of the IPC.
According to police, the case dates back to September 22, 2018, when an FIR was lodged alleging that the accused had sexually assaulted his minor stepdaughter on two occasions. He also allegedly criminally intimidated the child, threatening her with physical harm if she disclosed the abuse.
After initially evading arrest, Timung was apprehended on September 17, 2019. The case was registered at Nartiang Police Station and subsequently charge-sheeted following investigation.
Upon conclusion of the trial, the court awarded 10 years’ rigorous imprisonment, a fine of ₹10,000 under the POCSO Act, 2 years’ rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹5,000 under Section 506 IPC.
