Manipur: Fast Track Court Sentences Man to 10 Years in 2012 Minor Rape Case
Imphal, July 5: A Fast Track Court in Manipur has sentenced a 36-year-old man to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for raping a minor girl in a case dating back to October 2012. The court also imposed a fine of ₹20,000 and recommended ₹4 lakh as compensation for the survivor to support her rehabilitation.
The verdict was pronounced on July 4, 2026, by Additional Sessions Judge Ashem Tarunakumari of the Fast Track Court, Imphal. The accused, identified as Ningthoujam Bijen, was convicted under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) on July 1 after the court found him guilty of the offence.
According to court records, Bijen, originally from Moirang Ngangkha Lawai in Bishnupur district, was residing at Konjeng Leikai Lanpoklakpam in Imphal West when the crime was committed at his residence in 2012. He attended the sentencing hearing virtually from Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, where he is currently lodged.
The chargesheet was submitted in August 2015 by N. Ingocha, who was then serving as the Officer-in-Charge of Singjamei Police Station and is presently the Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Imphal.
During the sentencing proceedings, the Special Public Prosecutor urged the court to impose the maximum punishment prescribed under the law. The defence sought a reduced sentence, citing the convict’s young age at the time of the offence, limited financial means, and his role as the primary earning member of his family.
After hearing both sides, the Fast Track Court sentenced the convict to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, imposed a fine of ₹20,000, and recommended that the survivor receive ₹4 lakh in compensation to assist in her rehabilitation and support the delivery of justice.
