SITA RAM KHANDAIT Vs. STATE OF JHARKHAND

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard learned counsel for the appellant and learned counsel for the State.

(2.) The instant Criminal appeal is directed against the Judgment of conviction dated 18.12003 and order of sentence dated 212003, passed in S.T. No.161 of 1998 (arising out of G.R. No.657 of 1997 corresponding to Jhinkpani P.S. Case No.68 of 1997) by the learned Sessions Judge, Singhbhum West at Chaibasa, whereby the sole appellant has been found guilty for offence under Section 376 of the Indian Penal Code and awarded rigorous imprisonment for 7 years.

(3.) The prosecution case as is based upon the written report submitted by the informant (victim) herself before the officer in charge Jhinkpani Police Station on 17.12.1997. As per the written report, the informant is tribal girl child, aged about 13 years and she used to be sexually exploited by co-villager, Sita Ram Khandait (appellant). Sometime, the same was forcibly done and as such, she became pregnant, but the accused refused to keep her with him. She has further stated that the occurrence is known to the villagers, namely, Tutru Khandait, Pradhan Khandait, Durga Buriully and Govind Buruilly.