IMPHAL, December 31: The Court of Sessions Judge Imphal West today has sentenced a rape accused to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for raping a mentally challenged woman.
Session Judge, M Manojkumar Singh sentenced Soubam Naoba Singh, 50, son of Shyamo of Uripok Achom Leikai, to 10 years and a fine of Rs. 50,000 and convicted him under sections 376 of the Indian Penal Code.
The charge entails either description for a term which shall not be less than seven years but with may extend for like and shall also be liable to fine.
If the fine was not paid the convict has to undergo six more months of simple imprisonment, said the order of the court.
The Court also recommended for providing the victim with compensation scheme under section 357A of the Code of Criminal Procedure. At the same time, a recommendation for providing compensation of Rs 2 Lakhs from the scheme “Financial assistance and support service to victim of rape a scheme for retrospective Justice.” The scheme was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
The compensations and fines were to be paid to the dependent of the victim as the victim had already expired.
Before pronouncing the verdict, the court heard the prayers of the accused through his counsel, who pleaded to lessen the sentence. However, the Court was of the view that the plea was inappropriate and moreover the act committed was inhumane for the fact that the convict raped a mentally challenged woman.
It may be recalled that Soubam Naoba rapped the victim on August 3, 2005 while the victim was sleeping inside her room.