Manipur court sentences man to 10 years RI for sexual assault on minor
Short Summary
A Fast Track Special Court in Manipur sentenced 50‑year‑old Mayengbam Inao to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) under Section 6 of the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting a minor on May 12, 2019, at Pishum Oinam Leikai in Imphal West. Inao was fined ₹5,000 (with an extra three months’ default imprisonment), granted deduction for time served, and ordered to pay ₹4 lakh compensation from the state’s Victim Compensation Fund to support the minor’s recovery.
In-Depth Article:
1. An Appalling Incident That Shocked Imphal
Picture this: a quiet residential area in Imphal West turned into a scene of unthinkable cruelty. On May 12, 2019, a minor girl from Pishum Oinam Leikai visited a community hall while other adults in her household were distributing kerosene. It was in the bathroom nearby where she was horrifically assaulted by Mayengbam Inao, a 50‑year‑old man. The tiny voice that mustered the courage to tell her mother about the pain became the spark that ignited a legal process leading to today’s verdict.
2. The Legal Odyssey Begins
- The Disclosure: The girl alerted her mother immediately, prompting a police complaint the same day under Singjamei Police Station’s jurisdiction.
- Rapid Arrest: Inao was arrested on May 16, remanded into judicial custody on May 22—a swift turn of events.
- Trial and Sentencing: The case was tried under the POCSO (Protection of Children from Sexual Offences) Act. Judge Rajkumari Memcha of Fast Track Special Court No.1 delivered the verdict on June 25, 2025, after concluding the trial on June 21
3. The Verdict: Justice Comes Through
- Punishment: Inao received 10 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI).
- Fine and Default Sentence: A ₹5,000 fine was imposed; failing payment leads to 3 months of simple imprisonment.
- Time Served: All judicial custody from May 22, 2019, onwards was deducted from the sentence.
- Victim Compensation: The court ordered a ₹4 lakh compensation—funds to speed up rehabilitation and medical care—for the victim, to be disbursed within 30 days under Section 357‑A CrPC.
POCSO in Action: Shielding the Innocent
The POCSO Act is India’s robust legal shield for children against sexual offenses. Section 6—under which Inao was convicted—deals with aggravated penetrative sexual assaults. It mandates minimum sentences (7 years) and maximum life terms, depending on gravity. Here, the court opted for a firm 10-year RI.
Compensation is Not Optional—it’s Essential
By directing ₹4 lakh for rehabilitation, the court acknowledged the long-term fallout of abuse: psychological distress, physical trauma, and family upheaval. This financial reprieve can deliver counseling, therapy, and ease the family’s burden.
Broader Legal Trends & Context
Manipur’s legal scene shows consistency in stringent punishments: earlier cases saw similar sentences for the rape of minors, like the 36-year-old awarded 10 years in 2023 and a 28-year-old in 2024 These judgments are part of a broader push to reassure people that justice is served swiftly and decisively.
Conclusion: Justice for One, Hope for Many
The conviction of Mayengbam Inao is more than a legal outcome; it’s a victory of courage over fear, justice over silence, and hope over despair. For parents, it validates that the courts stand as guardians of their children’s rights. For children, it shows that speaking out can bring change. May this case strengthen society’s resolve to protect our most vulnerable and pave the way for safer futures.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is POCSO Section 6?
It deals with aggravated penetrative sexual assault on minors, prescribing at least seven years of imprisonment, potentially up to life, along with fines. - What punishment did Inao receive?
He was sentenced to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment, fined ₹5,000 (or three months more if unpaid), with time served deducted and ₹4 lakh in compensation announced. - What is a Fast Track Special Court?
These courts focus on quick adjudication of specific sensitive cases—like POCSO violations—reducing the strain of delays on victims and families. - How does victim compensation work under CrPC Section 357‑A?
It allows courts to order state-funded aid to victims (e.g., trauma therapy), disbursed quickly—in this case, within 30 days. - How can parents help prevent child sexual abuse?
Stay alert, build trust and open communication with kids, teach them personal boundaries, report any sign of discomfort—trusting their voice is vital.
