Two special POCSO courts in East Khasi Hills have convicted three men in separate child sexual abuse cases, marking a firm judicial stand on crimes against children in Meghalaya. In the most severe ruling, Special POCSO Court Judge R.R. Rymbai sentenced Rapborlang Kharshiing to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the POCSO Act for aggravated penetrative sexual assault. The 2018 case, registered at Mawngap Police Station, was investigated by Women Police Sub-Inspector L. Kharjana. Kharshiing was also fined ₹20,000, with an additional six months’ jail term if the fine is not paid.
In another case, Judge M.K. Lyngdoh convicted Stevenson Nongsiej, alias Steve, for penetrative sexual assault under Section 4 of the POCSO Act. Nongsiej was sentenced to seven years’ imprisonment and fined ₹30,000. Failure to pay will lead to an extra four months in jail.
Co-accused Tuparsing Lyngdoh Lyngkhoi, alias Bah Duh, was found guilty of attempted sexual offences under Section 18 of the Act. He received a sentence of three years and six months. The case was lodged at Rynjah Police Station and investigated by WPI S. Wanshnong, now a Prosecuting Inspector at Shillong Court.