Thursday, Oct 31, 2024 22:00 [IST]
Last Update: Wednesday, Oct 30, 2024 16:26 [IST]
GANGTOK,: Thirty-year-old Pritam Sharma who was convicted for the rape-and murder of an 11-year-old girl has been sentenced to rigorous imprisonment of life (without remission) by the Court of the Special Judge (POCSO Act, 2021) today.
The Pangthang rape and murder case (renamed Jyoti rape and murder case) registered on April 14, 2023 at Gagntok Sadar police station reached a significant milestone as the Fast Track Court convicted the accused on October 28.
The victim child was reported missing on April 11, 2023 and the accused Pritam Sharma, a taxi driver by profession, was arrested on April 17, 2023.
The convict is a resident of Bihar and was temporarily residing at Tathangchen, Gangtok. He was booked under Session Trail (POCSO) case no. 16 of 2023, dated April 11, 2023, under sections 363/376/201/302 of the IPC.
For offenses under Sections 5 and 6 of the POCSO Act, 2012, Sharma was sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment without remission, meaning he will remain in prison for the remainder of his natural life. An additional fine of Rs. 10,000 was imposed, with an extra six months of rigorous imprisonment in case of default.
The accused was convicted under Section 363 of the IPC, 1860, for kidnapping, receiving a seven-year term of rigorous imprisonment, along with a fine of Rs. 5,000. In the event of non-payment, an additional two-month term of simple imprisonment will be imposed.
Additionally, Sharma received a life sentence under Section 302 of the IPC for murder, accompanied by a fine of Rs. 10,000. Failure to pay this fine will result in an extra six months of rigorous imprisonment.
The court ordered that all sentences run concurrently, as authorized under applicable laws. Jail authorities have been instructed to ensure the effective execution of the sentences.
