By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 22: The High Court of Meghalaya on Friday dismissed an appeal filed by a POCSO convict, Saddam Hussain, while upholding his conviction and sentence by a trial court.
The bench of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Wanlura Diengdoh confirmed the judgment of the Special Judge (POCSO), West Garo Hills, dated May 8, 2023, and the order of sentence dated May 9, 2023.
Saddam Hussain was convicted under Sections 5(m) and 6 of the POCSO Act for sexually assaulting a 9-year-old girl, his neighbour, on June 23, 2018, at his residence in West Garo Hills. The survivor informed her mother the same night. An FIR was lodged the next day at Phulbari Police Station.
The trial court had sentenced him to 14 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 10,000.
During the appeal, the High Court examined the evidence and the testimony of the survivor, which was found reliable and consistent. It held that the survivor’s evidence inspired confidence and was duly supported by medical and other witnesses.
Finding no merit in the appeal, the Court dismissed the appeal and upheld the conviction and sentence.
