Justice after a decade: Principal accused in 2016 minor rape case gets 14 years

A Special POCSO Court in Ambassa has delivered its verdict in a long‑pending case, sentencing Vijay Ghosh, the principal accused in the 2016 rape of a 15‑year‑old girl, to 14 years of rigorous imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000, with an additional six months of imprisonment in default of payment, and directed that the victim be awarded Rs 5 lakh compensation.

The case dates back to April 10, 2016, when a complaint was lodged at Manu Police Station alleging that the minor had been raped by four individuals — Vijay Ghosh, Rohit Chakma, Mangal Debbarma and Shubham Chakma. The matter was registered as Manu PS Case No. 2016 MNU 011, and investigation was entrusted to then Female Sub‑Inspector Seema Das Chowdhury. After completion of the probe, a charge sheet was submitted before the Special Judge’s Court at Ambassa on May 30, 2017, and the case was formally registered as Special POCSO 2/2025.

During trial, the court examined 23 witnesses, including cross‑examinations. After weighing the evidence, Special Judge Dhiman Debbarma convicted Vijay Ghosh under Section 376(1) of the IPC. Police noted that the verdict was delayed because Ghosh had remained absconding for a prolonged period, prolonging the judicial process.

Meanwhile, co‑accused Rohit Chakma and Shubham Chakma were acquitted earlier due to lack of sufficient evidence. The case against Mangal Debbarma did not result in conviction.

Police expressed hope that the judgment would provide some measure of relief to the victim and her family, who have waited nearly a decade for justice.