Special Court Sentences 20-Year-Old Lakhipur Youth to 20 Years’ Imprisonment Under POCSO Act

In a significant ruling, a Special Court under the POCSO Act has sentenced 20-year-old Niranjan Bhakta alias Monu to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually molesting a minor girl. The judgement, passed by the Additional District and Sessions Judge of Cachar, comes more than a year after the horrific incident in Lakhipur.

The crime occurred in May 2023 when Bhakta entered a neighbour’s home and sexually assaulted a minor girl in the absence of her mother. The victim was unable to defend herself, but her mother’s timely arrival forced the accused to flee by jumping out of the window.

Lakhipur Police swiftly registered a case against Bhakta under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, Section 448 (house trespass), and Section 376 (rape) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). After the chargesheet was filed, the accused appeared before the court for the first time on July 12, 2023, via video conferencing.

After 24 hearings, the court found Bhakta guilty under Section 4 of the POCSO Act, which deals with penetrative sexual assault against minors and sentenced him to 20 years of imprisonment. Section 448 of the IPC was added for house trespass, and Section 376 for rape.

On September 6, 2024, the District and Sessions Court of Cachar delivered the final judgement in the “State of Assam Versus Niranjan Bhakta @ Monu” case. The case was formally disposed of on September 10, and Bhakta was sent to Silchar Central Jail to serve his sentence.

This verdict marks a crucial step toward justice for the victim and highlights the court’s resolve to protect minors from sexual crimes under the POCSO Act.