HC upholds conviction of…

(Contd from P-3) In a separate judgment, the same bench upheld the 15-year rigorous imprisonment awarded to Shanborlang Thabah for repeatedly abusing his minor daughter. The court dismissed Thabah’s appeal against the August 3, 2023, order passed by the Special Judge (POCSO), West Khasi Hills.

The trial court had also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on Thabah. The abuse came to light after the survivor, aged between 14 and 15 at the time, disclosed the incidents to her cousin, leading to an FIR at Mairang Police Station.

The High Court rejected the defence’s claim of discrepancies in the survivor’s testimony, stating her evidence inspired confidence and noting there was no reason for her to falsely implicate her father. The bench observed that Thabah had violated the trust reposed in him as a parent. The court further directed the Secretary of the DLSA, West Khasi Hills, to submit a report within six weeks on whether the Rs 2 lakh compensation recommended by the trial court has been disbursed. The matter has been listed for July 1 to monitor compliance.