Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The Meghalaya High Court upheld the conviction and 10-year prison sentences for three men involved in a 2016 gang rape. Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh rejected appeals from Cleverstrein Marngar, Proningstar Marngar, and Basnes Ryntathiang. They remain guilty. The case involves the September 11, 2016 attack on a 15-year-old girl in West Khasi Hills.
Eight suspects were initially arrested. Three were tried as juveniles, while five others faced a Special POCSO Court. Only three appealed to the High Court. The bench dismissed claims of evidentiary contradictions. They relied on medical reports of physical injury and the survivor’s testimony. The court noted that there was "nothing in the cross" to discredit her evidence. It also confirmed that the prosecution established all foundational facts required under the POCSO Act.
In a separate decision, the same bench addressed the 2014 murder of Prodis Nangbah. The victim was killed at his home on May 6, 2014, after he refused to sell cigarettes after hours. Two children witnessed the attack. The court upheld the life sentence for Salbinal Nangbah, finding the children's testimony credible. The bench rejected arguments against the identification process, noting the children already knew the suspect from their village. Identification was possible by candlelight.
The court overturned the conviction of Belting Tyngkra in the same murder case. The children failed to identify him during proceedings. The state failed to prove his guilt. Justices ordered his immediate release and the refund of any fines paid. The court also ordered a report on the status of a 3 lakh rupee compensation package for the victim's family, due by September 3, 2026.
Comments