Kohima: A Dimapur special court sentenced 33-year-old Lanuchuchang Walling to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment on July 22 for the sexual assault of his 13-year-old step-daughter. Walling, of Dibuia village, had been on the run for nearly four years after jumping bail. He was re-arrested on July 13 at a rented house in Dobagaon by Investigating Officer SI Tajungsangla. He is now behind bars.
The victim, a Class VIII student, filed a complaint at the Women Police Station on June 8, 2021. Medical exams confirmed she was 20 to 22 weeks pregnant at the time. Special Judge Khesheli Chishi delivered the sentence following a trial that began under retired Judge Khrulto Koso. Walling received 20 years for Section 376(3) IPC and 20 years under Section 6 of the POCSO Act. He also received 10 years for Section 376(2)(f)(i)(n) IPC. All sentences run concurrently. Additionally, Walling must serve six months of simple imprisonment for failing to appear in court, running consecutively. He must pay Rs 5,000 for each conviction or face six months of default imprisonment. His Rs 1 lakh bail bond is forfeited to the state.
Special Public Prosecutor Imlimongla noted the effort required to secure the conviction. "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."
In a separate case, the same court issued a public notice for Peter Chumbemo Kikon, also known as Robert Kikon. Kikon, of Mekokla village in Wokha, faces charges under Section 238 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and various POCSO Act provisions. Police failed to execute an arrest warrant at his current address at the Little Attic Building in Kacharigaon, Dimapur. Judge Khesheli Chishi determined Kikon is actively concealing himself. He must appear in court at 10:30 a.m. on August 10, 2026, to answer the complaint.
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