Agartala: A somber verdict echoed through the Dhalai District courtroom as the Additional District and Sessions Judge pronounced a twenty-year prison term for a man convicted of the brutal rape of a minor girl. The conclusion of the trial brought a measure of closure to a case that had deeply shaken the community.
The harrowing incident, as detailed by Additional Public Prosecutor Indu Bhushan Deb, unfolded on the morning of September 7, 2022. At approximately 8 AM, in the quiet locality of Choto Surma Sudhanpara, within the jurisdiction of the Kamalpur police station, Dhalai District, a young girl found herself alone and vulnerable. Chandan Mali, the accused, seized this opportunity, allegedly entering her residence while her family members were absent.
Within the confines of her own home, the minor girl was subjected to a horrific assault. Her cries pierced the tranquility of the morning, prompting her mother, who was in a nearby dwelling, to rush to her daughter’s aid. Upon her arrival, she witnessed Chandan Mali fleeing the scene. The trauma inflicted upon the young victim spurred immediate action, leading to the filing of a formal complaint at the Kamalpur police station.
The ensuing police investigation was conducted under the stringent provisions of Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, alongside relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code, specifically 447, 376AB, 323, 307, and 506. The trial, a testament to the pursuit of justice, saw the testimonies of twenty-four witnesses, culminating in the submission of a comprehensive charge sheet to the court.
On March 5, 2025, the court rendered its verdict, finding Chandan Mali guilty of the heinous crime. The official sentencing, announced on Thursday, mandated twenty years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the POCSO Act. In addition, a financial penalty of Rs 10,000 was imposed, with a provision for an additional six months of imprisonment in case of default. Furthermore, under Section 506 of the IPC, he was fined Rs 1000, with an additional two months of imprisonment if the fine is not paid.
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