Manipur Court Sentences ECG Technician to 20 Years for Assaulting Minor at RIMS; Victim Compensated

IMPHAL: In a recent verdict, the Manipur Fast Track Special Court Number 1 handed down a substantial sentence to Thokchom Suraj, a 39-year-old ECG technician at the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS) in Imphal, for sexually assaulting a minor inside his office room. The court sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. In the event of non-payment of the fine, the convict will have to undergo an additional 3 months of simple imprisonment.

The heinous crime took place on October 3, 2019, at approximately 3 am, inside the ECG room of RIMS. After thorough investigation and trial proceedings, the court found Thokchom Suraj guilty under section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. His residence in Keishamthong Moirang Ningthou Leikai in Imphal West district was mentioned in the court records.

During the trial, the Special Public Prosecutor highlighted that the convict exploited his official position as an ECG technician in the RIMS Casualty to commit the dreadful act while keeping the victim's mother outside the ECG room.

Considering the duration spent by the convict in custody during the investigation and trial, the court allowed the set-off of that period from the overall prison term. This means that the time already served by Thokchom Suraj will be taken into account when calculating the 20-year sentence.

Additionally, the court issued a crucial directive to the State Government, ordering them to provide Rs 1,50,000 to the victim and her family from the Victim Compensation fund or any other relevant schemes. This financial support aims to help the victim and her family cope with the consequences of the distressing incident.

On July 27, the same court had convicted Thokchom Suraj of Kullen, Imphal West district, leading to his appearance before the court for the sentencing hearing on Monday. The judgment serves as a stern message to those who abuse their authority and engage in heinous acts against minors, ensuring they face severe legal consequences.

The case highlights the importance of upholding the rights and safety of children and the significance of a fair and robust legal system in bringing perpetrators to justice. As society takes a firm stand against such atrocities, the court's decision sends a clear signal that such behavior will not be tolerated, and justice will be served to protect the innocent and vulnerable.

In conclusion, the Manipur Fast Track Special Court Number 1's verdict to sentence Thokchom Suraj to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for assaulting a minor at RIMS showcases the judiciary's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of children. The accompanying victim compensation aims to support the victim's family during their healing process, emphasizing the importance of accountability and support for survivors of such crimes.

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