Justice After 7 Years: Two Convicted for Lakhipur Minor's Kidnapping; One Accused Still at Large

The Special POCSO Court in Cachar, presided over by Judge Narayan Kuri, has sentenced two men to four years of imprisonment for the abduction of a minor girl in 2017. The convicted individuals, Lal Mohan Pasi alias Sanju from Bormamda and Manju Pasi from Chhotmamda areas of Lakhipur in Cachar, were also fined ₹10,000 each. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional three months of imprisonment. The judgement was passed yesterday (December 13), 7 years after the crime was committed and finally justice was delivered.

The case involved not just abduction but also an attempt at sexual assault. However, the third accused, Lalamia alias Alauddin, a resident of Rupailbali Tematha in Lakkhipur, remains absconding. As a result, legal proceedings against him have been put on hold.

The incident occurred on May 18, 2017, when the 14-year-old victim was abducted while returning home from a shop near her residence in the Lakhipur Police Station area. Lal Mohan, Manju, and Lalamia allegedly abducted her on a motorbike, forcibly covering her mouth with a cloth. While Manju left midway, Lal Mohan and Lalamia took the girl to a relative’s house in the Dholai Bhaga Bazar area. That night, Lalamia reportedly attempted to sexually assault her.

The next day, Lalamia abandoned the minor near the Dholai Police Station. She sought help from a nearby shopkeeper and informed her family, who alerted the police. The girl was rescued shortly after.

Following the rescue, the police arrested Lal Mohan and Manju. However, Lalamia managed to escape and has been on the run since. Despite being released on bail, Lal Mohan and Manju were brought to trial, while Lalamia was declared absconding.

On Wednesday, the court found Lal Mohan and Manju guilty under Section 366 of the Indian Penal Code, which pertains to kidnapping with intent to compel marriage or to commit an illicit act. On Friday, their sentences were pronounced, marking the conclusion of a case that has spanned more than seven years.