STAFF REPORTER
GUWAHATI: An accused in the rape of a minor girl was sentenced by the Special POCSO court here to rigorous imprisonment (RI) for 21 years for offence under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012.
The accused, Ravi Kumar Bhowel, was sentenced to rigorous imprisonment for 21 years and a fine of Rs 20,000, in default of which he will be sentenced to simple imprisonment for another six months, under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012. The fine amount, when deposited, is to be given to the victim, a minor girl, the court ruled.
The Special POCSO Court said the victim is currently a school student of around 17 years of age, and she has her student life as well as her social life in front of her. At the time of the incident, she was a minor girl below 18 years of age, according to her birth certificate, the court observed. The crime being committed on her at a tender age, there was apprehension that it would affect her future life, the court said, adding it was essential that some kind of economic support should be provided to her.
The court, however, also took cognizance of the ill-health of the accused on the basis of his clemency petition. The accused, Ravi Kumar Bhowel, submitted before the court that he had undergone bypass surgery recently and that he had children to look after. He also informed the court that his wife had no income. In light of the facts, the court noted the submission of Bhowel in a separate sheet. It, however, had no effect on the sentence.
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