Shillong: In a significant stride for justice, the Special Court in Khliehriat, East Jaintia Hills District, has handed down stringent sentences in two separate, yet equally crucial, cases, underscoring the judiciary’s unwavering commitment to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring accountability. The pronouncements, made by Special Judge B. Khriam, have been widely hailed as a testament to the perseverance of the legal system.
In a particularly grim case, Boti Surong was sentenced to a rigorous imprisonment of 25 years for committing an offence against a minor under the stringent Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The court also slapped a fine of Rs 30,000 on Surong and, importantly, directed a compensation of Rs 3 lakh to be paid to the young survivor. The case, registered as Khliehriat Women Police Station Case No. 32(07)2023 under sections 5(m)/6 of the POCSO Act, saw a meticulous investigation led by WP/Sub-Inspector L. Siangshai, with the charge sheet being filed in October 2023. The Superintendent of Police, in a press release issued today, highlighted that in default of payment of the fine, Surong will serve an additional two months of simple imprisonment.
Adding to the day’s judicial breakthroughs, the same court also brought closure to a decades-old rape case dating back to 2003. Ioobha Phawa and Indri Dkhar were each handed a rigorous imprisonment of 10 years, along with a fine of Rs 5,000 per person, for an offence under section 376(2)(g) of the Indian Penal Code. The victim in this long-pending case has been awarded a compensation of Rs 50,000. Originally registered as Khliehriat PS Case No. 43(06)2003, the case was investigated by ASI S. Pariat. Despite the considerable time elapsed since the crime was committed, the court’s perseverance ensured that justice, though delayed, was not denied, culminating in a guilty verdict for both accused. These verdicts collectively demonstrate the East Jaintia Hills District Court’s resolute dedication to upholding justice, irrespective of the complexities or the passage of time involved in the cases.
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