In a significant show of law enforcement and judicial resolve, two men in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment each for committing sexual assault against minors. The convictions, delivered in two separate cases by Special Judges in Sri Vijaya Puram and Diglipur, highlight the islands’ zero-tolerance approach to crimes against children and underscore the critical role of meticulous police investigations.
The Hon’ble Special Judge Sri Vijaya Puram, Neyaz Alam, handed down a landmark sentence to Sanjib Mondal, a resident of Nayagaon, Sri Vijaya Puram, who was found guilty of aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a 15-year-old girl. The crime resulted in the victim’s pregnancy, exposing a grave betrayal of trust. The case was reported to Aberdeen Police Station, leading to FIR No. 156/2023 dated June 14, 2023, under Sections 5(j)(ii)(l)(n)/6 of the POCSO Act. The investigation, led by Sub-Inspector P. Jeevan under the supervision of the then SHO Girish Kumar, involved examining 15 witnesses and relied on DNA evidence to conclusively establish the accused’s guilt.
The court sentenced Mondal to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment under Sections 5/6 of the POCSO Act, with a fine of Rs. 10,000 and an additional three months of imprisonment in default of payment. He also received a two-year sentence under Section 506 of the IPC, with a fine of Rs. 5,000 and six months additional imprisonment in default. Beyond incarceration, the court directed compensation of Rs. 3,00,000 for the survivor’s rehabilitation and welfare, highlighting the judiciary’s emphasis on both justice and restorative support.
A separate landmark judgment was pronounced, by Hon’ble Special Judge (POCSO) Subhajit Basu, who sentenced Ajay Sarkar to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 in connection with Crime No. 48/2020 registered at PS Diglipur. The case involved sexual assault by the victim’s stepfather, registered under Sections 5(j)(m)(n)/6 of the POCSO Act, 2012 read with Sections 376/323 of the IPC. Sub-Inspector Tamilarasan, under the guidance of then SHO Inspector Pritham Behari, led the investigation that ultimately secured the conviction.
Both judgments were hailed as a testament to the diligent efforts of the Andaman & Nicobar Police. In each case, the investigative teams demonstrated professional acumen, meticulous evidence collection, and timely coordination with the judiciary, ensuring justice for the victims. Special Public Prosecutor A.S. Zinu represented the state effectively in the Sri Vijaya Puram case, guiding the proceedings and reinforcing the commitment of the legal system to uphold the rights of minors.
These convictions send a clear and uncompromising message that sexual offenses against children will be met with the harshest legal consequences. Authorities have emphasized that crimes of this nature inflict lasting physical, emotional, and psychological harm on the victims, and both judgments reflect the courts’ intent to serve justice as well as act as a deterrent to society.
The Andaman & Nicobar Police continue to maintain a strict zero-tolerance approach toward sexual crimes against children, reaffirming their commitment to safeguarding vulnerable members of society. The force has urged the public to share credible information regarding any crimes or illegal activities, ensuring anonymity for informers and offering rewards for information that aids investigations. Citizens are encouraged to contact their nearest police station or use the helpline numbers 100, 112, and 03192-273344 to report such incidents.
These convictions highlight both the robustness of the islands’ policing mechanisms and the judiciary’s unwavering stance on protecting children from abuse. With swift action, thorough investigations, and stringent judicial outcomes, the Andaman and Nicobar authorities continue to reinforce the principles of justice, deterrence, and survivor support in cases of sexual assault.
