Nongstoin, May 18: In a significant development, the Special Judge (POCSO) in Nongstoin has delivered its verdict on a case involving the sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl. The accused, Bringstarwell Kharbani, was found guilty and sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 for the offence under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and a separate punishment of 1 year of simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000 for the offence under Section 506 of the Indian Penal Code.
The case came to light on July 23, 2020, when the mother of the 13-year-old victim found her daughter to be pregnant as a result of sexual assault by Bringstarwell Kharbani. She prompted the authorities to take action, leading to the registration of Nongstoin Police Station Case No. 31(7)2020 under sections 5(n)/6 of the POCSO Act. The investigation was subsequently handed over to WPSI D.P. Nongbri of Nongstoin Women Police Station.
After thorough investigation, the case was charge-sheeted by the investigating officer under sections 506 of the Indian Penal Code, read with Section 5(j)(ii)(l)(n)/6 of the POCSO Act. The prosecution presented substantial evidence during the trial, which was carefully evaluated by the Special Judge (POCSO) before delivering the verdict.
On May 11, 2023, the court, considering all the evidence presented, pronounced Bringstarwell Kharbani guilty of the crimes committed. The accused has been sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment and ordered to pay a fine of Rs 50,000 for the offence under the POCSO Act. Additionally, he has been sentenced to 1 year of simple imprisonment and fined Rs 1,000 for the offence under Section 506 of the IPC. The court has further ruled that both sentences are to run concurrently.
