Arunachal Man Sentenced to 20 Years for Aggravated Rape of 12-Year-Old Girl

Arunachal Pradesh, 13 December, 23: In a landmark decision, the Special Judge (POCSO Act), East Siang district, has handed down a 20-year imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Tami Tatak, a resident of Mori village in Siang district, under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Tatak faced charges under Section 376/506 of the Indian Penal Code, coupled with Section 6 of the POCSO Act, for the heinous crimes of rape and penetrative sexual assault against a 12-year-old girl, who is a close relative.

The disturbing incident came to light in August 2021, when the survivor-child fell critically ill and was unable to walk. The family performed a ritual on August 14, 2021, due to her deteriorating health. Shockingly, the survivor-child only revealed the horrifying truth on August 26, 2021, to her younger sister. She disclosed that Tami Tatak had brutally assaulted and raped her multiple times, threatening to kill her if she disclosed the incident. The survivor-child had suffered severe injuries to her hips and waist, hindering her ability to walk properly.

The Special Judge, in an open court session, highlighted that the accused had committed an offence under Section 5 (m) (n) of the POCSO Act, as the victim was below 12 years of age. The judgment emphasized that Tatak was found guilty of aggravated penetrative sexual assault beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the imposition of a 20-year prison sentence.

This significant verdict underscores the commitment of the judiciary to safeguard the rights and well-being of children, sending a stern message that perpetrators of such heinous crimes will face severe consequences. The case serves as a reminder of the imperative need for vigilance and swift justice in cases involving the exploitation and abuse of minors.