Minor's Pregnancy Exposes Repeated Sexual Abuse by 50-year-old Neighbor in Cachar's Gumrah

In a distressing incident that shocked the local community, a 15-year-old girl was raped multiple times by a 50-year-old treacherous neighbour. The family was unaware of this and only discovered it when the minor was discovered pregnant. The incident happened in the Gobinda Kupa Tea Estate of Gumrah in Cachar.

The lustful 50-year-old has been identified as Babul Lohar who has raped the 15-year-old for an extended time period with various temptations. The girl out of fear and shame kept mum for so long, thinking this might end her life or she might be thrown out of her home.

According to sources, Lohar reportedly lured and exploited the minor over an extended period. The family, horrified by the revelation, filed a complaint with the police after confirming her pregnancy.

Authorities have since arrested Lohar, who now faces serious charges related to the sexual exploitation of a minor.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, criminalizes sexual abuse against minors (under 18 years). It applies to anyone, regardless of gender, who commits, abets, or attempts sexual crimes against children.

Under POCSO:

Sexual assault, harassment, and pornography-related offences involve strict penalties, ranging from a minimum of three years for harassment to life imprisonment for aggravated assault.

Penetrative sexual assault incurs a minimum of 10 years, extending to life imprisonment.

Aggravated offences (involving trust figures or repeated abuse) receive harsher punishments, including life terms or death in severe cases.

The Act mandates a child-friendly legal process to protect minors during investigation and trial.