Justice in Nagaland: Village headman sentenced to 10 years in prison for raping elderly woman
Guwahati: The Court of Principal District and Sessions Judge in Nagaland’s Kohima convicted 42-year-old Yhunthonlo Kez on Friday.
Kez, who was serving as the Gaonbura (village head) of Tesophenyu Village at the time of the offence, was sentenced to ten years of rigorous imprisonment for raping an 82-year-old woman.
He was found guilty under Sections 376(1), 354A(1)(i), and 323 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The case was investigated by UBSI Vikuobinuo of the Women Police Station, Kohima.
During the trial, the prosecution examined nine witnesses, with Special Public Prosecutor L. Sashimongla representing the State.
The court imposed the following punishments: 10 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 10,000 under Section 376(1) IPC, with one year of simple imprisonment in default; one year rigorous imprisonment and Rs 1,000 fine under Section 354A(1)(i) IPC, with three months simple imprisonment in default; and six months simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs 500 under Section 323 IPC, with one month simple imprisonment in default.
All sentences were ordered to run concurrently.
Considering the victim’s advanced age and the physical and psychological trauma she suffered, the court directed the State Government to pay Rs 2,00,000 as compensation under Section 357A CrPC and the Victim Compensation Scheme.
From the total fine of Rs 11,500, Rs 6,000 is to be paid directly to the survivor.
The court condemned the crime, noting the severity of the offence and its impact on the victim’s bodily integrity and dignity.
It stated that the victim, aged 82, was helpless and assaulted in her own home. The court noted that although the accused is a first-time offender, the aggravating factors outweighed any mitigating circumstances.
The prosecution office praised the coordinated efforts of the investigating officer, prosecution team, witnesses, and support staff for ensuring an effective investigation and successful trial.
The office reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding women’s rights and ensuring justice in cases of crimes against them.
