VANLALRUATPUIA Vs. STATE OF MIZORAM

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Mr. Victor L. Ralte, the learned counsel for the appellant. Also heard Mrs. Linda L. Fambawl, the Addl. Public Prosecutor for the State.

(2.) This is an appeal challenging the Judgment and Order dated 04.05.2018 passed by the Special Court, POCSO Act, 2012 in SR No. 1/2018 arising out of Siaha Police Station Case No. 75/2017, by which the appellant has been convicted under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012 and sentenced to undergo Rigorous Imprisonment for 15 years with a fine of Rs. 3000/-, in default, 30 days RI, vide Order dated 07.05.2018.

(3.) The prosecution case in brief is that C. Nikheni, mother of the victim, filed an FIR on 01.08.2017 with the Siaha Police Station stating that on 31.07.2017 at around 3 a.m, her daughter H. C. Lalpianthangi, 12 years, who was sleeping over, in the residence of her friend Lalduatpuia, was raped by one Ruatpuia S/o Laldina. In pursuance to the FIR filed on 01.08.2017, Siaha Police Station Case No. 75/2017 dated 01.08.2017 was registered. Investigation into the case was initiated and charge sheet was filed, whereby a prima facie case was found to the effect that the appellant Vanlalruatpuia had raped the victim who was 11 years 7 months.