Kohima: A special court in Dimapur sentenced 33-year-old Lanuchuchang Walling to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the repeated sexual assault of his 13-year-old step-daughter. Special Judge (POCSO) Khesheli Chishi delivered the verdict on July 22. The convict lives in Dobagaon.
Walling vanished for over four years while out on bail. Police caught him on July 13, 2026. He was hiding in a rented home.
The court imposed 20-year terms under Section 376(3) of the Indian Penal Code and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. He must pay two fines of Rs 5,000. If he fails to pay, he faces six additional months of simple imprisonment. He received a 10-year term for another IPC section, but all major sentences run concurrently. The court also tacked on six months of consecutive simple imprisonment for jumping bail.
The case began June 8, 2021, at the Women Police Station. The victim, then a Class VIII student, told police her step-father attacked her when her mother was away. Medical exams confirmed she was 20 to 22 weeks pregnant when the complaint was filed. The court ordered the forfeiture of his Rs 1,00,000 bail bond.
Judge Khesheli Chishi noted that the accused abused his position of trust. He showed no leniency for the betrayal. Special Public Prosecutor Imlimongla praised the police work. "The successful re-arrest after 4 years reflects the diligence and perseverance of the IO, in ensuring that the due process of law could proceed."
Investigating Officer SI Tajungsangla handled the re-arrest. The original trial judge was Khrulto Koso. The state court is firm on protecting children.
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