In a significant ruling against child sexual abuse, a Special POCSO Court in Assam has handed a 20-year rigorous imprisonment sentence to rape convict Mohar Ali and fined him Rs 25,000. The court emphasized a zero-tolerance stance towards crimes against minors, stating that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months of imprisonment. The incident occurred on July 7, 2022, in Kathalguri village under the Kokrajhar Sadar Police Station limits, where Mohar Ali allegedly sexually assaulted a minor girl in a secluded jute field along the Gourang river.
The victim’s family filed an FIR at Kokrajhar Sadar Police Station, leading to the arrest of the accused and framing of charges under the POCSO Act and the IPC. The trial, held before the Special POCSO Court, featured testimonies from the victim, her family, and medical and forensic evidence supporting the prosecution’s case. Special Public Prosecutor Manjit Ghosh hailed the judgment as a crucial step towards justice, emphasizing the court’s meticulous examination of evidence and commitment to safeguarding children from sexual offenses.
Amid a rise in POCSO cases in Assam’s Bodoland Territorial Region, the conviction of Mohar Ali aligns with the trend of POCSO courts imposing strict penalties in cases involving sexual crimes against minors. The sentencing mandates that Mohar Ali, a local resident, serve his term in Kokrajhar Central Jail, with the fine proceeds allocated for victim compensation. Child rights advocates and organizations have lauded the verdict, urging expedited resolution of such cases and enhanced enforcement of child protection laws.
Authorities highlighted the coordinated efforts between law enforcement and the judiciary in addressing POCSO-related complaints, noting that the verdict has brought solace to the victim’s family following a protracted legal process.
