Manipur court sentences man to 6 years in jail for sexually assaulting minor
Short Summary
A Fast Track Special Court in Manipur convicted Ningthoujam Dhojo (30) under Section 10 of the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting a minor girl in August 2017 in Thoubal district. On July 18, Judge W Tonen sentenced him to six years of rigorous imprisonment and fined him ₹5,000—with an additional three months’ simple imprisonment if the fine is unpaid. The court also awarded the victim ₹400,000 compensation under Section 33(8) of POCSO, to be paid by the state via the Victim Compensation Fund under CrPC Section 357-A
A Stark Sentence in Manipur: Six Years for a POCSO Convict
Introduction: Why This Case Hits Home
Ever felt a sense of relief when justice finally catches up with a wrongdoer? That’s the weight we all felt when a Fast Track Special Court in Manipur handed down a six-year jail sentence to Ningthoujam Dhojo. It isn’t just a court decision; it’s a sign that laws meant to protect our children can—and should—be enforced.
1. The Tragic Incident: A Crime That Shook Thoubal
Imagine a regular August evening in 2017 in Thoubal district. Dhojo visits a household under innocent circumstances—charging his phone. But that evening, he chose darkness over decency, assaulting a young girl when her mother was away . Such ordinary settings can turn tragic, reminding us that violations can lurk behind familiar doors.
2. Legal Journey: From Complaint to Conviction
The victim’s mother filed a complaint at the Thoubal Women’s Police Station the next day. swift police action followed, with Dhojo surrendering and arrested soon after. The case progressed through a Fast Track Special Court, signifying urgency in child sexual offence cases—an essential step in ensuring justice isn’t delayed.
3. POCSO in Action: Section 10 and Section 33(8)
The law wasn’t just on paper—it was enforced. Dhojo was charged under Section 10 of the POCSO Act for aggravated sexual assault of a minor . During sentencing, the court invoked Section 33(8) to apply compensation rules. The victim is to receive ₹400,000 under the Victim Compensation Fund via CrPC Section 357-A . Legal checks in action right where they matter most.
4. Sentencing Details: Six Years and a Safety Net
On July 18, 2025, Judge W Tonen delivered the verdict: six years of rigorous imprisonment, a ₹5,000 fine, and an additional three months’ simple imprisonment if the fine isn’t paid . That’s not just a sentence—it’s an alert: crossing this line costs time, money, and freedom.
5. Compensation: A Step Towards Healing
Justice isn’t only punitive—it’s restorative too. Awarding ₹400,000 aims to lessen the victim’s trauma. It acknowledges the deep mental and emotional scars that legal proceedings and social stigma can leave on a young survivor
Conclusion: A Verdict That Resonates
Ningthoujam Dhojo’s conviction isn’t just a legal event—it’s a societal statement. It’s a demonstration that laws can protect the vulnerable, that courts can act swiftly, and that justice, even delayed, can still be delivered.
Every sentence, every rupee awarded, every day behind bars sends a message: our children matter, and we, as a society, will not let their rights be trampled.
FAQs
1. What exactly was the crime committed by Dhojo?
He committed an aggravated sexual assault on a minor girl in Thoubal on August 18, 2017, after visiting the victim’s home to charge his phone
2. Under which law was Dhojo convicted, and what does Section 10 mean?
He was convicted under Section 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, which pertains to aggravated penetrative sexual assault against a minor
3. Why was the victim awarded ₹400,000 in compensation?
The court invoked Section 33(8) of POCSO, acknowledging the deep physical, mental, and legal trauma, and applied the Victim Compensation Fund under CrPC Section 357-A.
4. What is the purpose of Fast Track Special Courts?
These courts are designed to expedite sensitive cases like child sexual offences, ensuring swift justice and reducing trauma from prolonged legal battles.
5. What happens if Dhojo doesn’t pay the ₹5,000 fine?
If he can’t pay, he’ll serve an additional three months of simple imprisonment, ensuring there’s no escaping punishment
