With 161 cases reported in just 18 months, child sexual abuse is reaching alarming levels in Manipur. Authorities urge urgent action as conviction rates struggle to keep pace.
BY PC Bureau
June 25, 2025: In a significant judgment against child sexual abuse, a Fast Track Special Court in Manipur has sentenced a 50-year-old man, Mayengbam Inao, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The convict was found guilty of sexually assaulting a minor girl.
The verdict, delivered on Tuesday by Judge Rajkumari Memcha of Fast Track Special Court No. 1, also imposed a fine of ₹5,000. In case of non-payment, the convict will serve an additional three months of simple imprisonment. The court ordered that the time already spent in judicial custody be deducted from the total sentence.
Inao was produced before the court from Manipur Central Jail, Sajiwa, for sentencing following the conclusion of trial proceedings on June 21, 2025.
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The assault took place on May 12, 2019, at Pishum Oinam Leikai in Imphal West district. According to court records, the incident occurred inside a bathroom while the household’s adult members were distributing kerosene at a local community hall. The crime came to light when the minor girl reported pain to her mother. A complaint was lodged by her father at Singjamei Police Station. Inao was arrested on May 16, and remanded to custody on May 22. A chargesheet was later filed by Investigating Officer Sub-Inspector G. Kitty Sharma.
Victim Compensation
The court also directed the Manipur state government to pay ₹4 lakh as compensation to the victim’s family under Section 357-A of the Criminal Procedure Code. The amount is to be disbursed within 30 days from either the Victim Compensation Fund or another appropriate scheme, in consideration of the trauma endured, the victim’s need for rehabilitation and medical care, and her family’s financial constraints.
Alarming Rise in Child Sexual Abuse Cases
Child sexual abuse cases have been on the rise in Manipur over the past two years:
- Between April 2021 and October 2022, Manipur recorded 161 cases under the POCSO Act, according to the Social Welfare Minister.
- In 2021 alone, 43 new POCSO cases were registered in Manipur, with a backlog of 231 pending cases.
- From 2017 to 2020, cases showed a steady rise:
- 2017: 29 cases
- 2018: 43 cases
- 2019: 58 cases
- 2020: 75 cases
These statistics paint a concerning picture, suggesting both an increase in crimes and potentially greater awareness and reporting.
