Photo Courtesy: India Today Group
Shillong: The High Court of Meghalaya has upheld a 10-year prison sentence for Ezazul Ali, who was convicted of sexually assaulting an 11-year-old girl in West Garo Hills in 2019. A bench consisting of Chief Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice W. Diengdoh dismissed the appeal on June 10, finding no merit in the challenge against the original ruling under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act.
The incident occurred on April 1, 2019, when the girl was lured into the appellant's home. After assaulting the child and attempting to silence her with money, Ali claimed the victim's injuries resulted from a fall when confronted by her family. A subsequent medical examination at Tikrikilla CHC revealed physical trauma, with the doctor concluding that the victim "has been molested in her private part by a finger."
The defense argued that the case was built on discrepancies and fabricated claims due to a family feud. However, the High Court rejected these claims, noting that the survivor's testimony remained consistent throughout cross-examination. The bench emphasized that there was "nothing on record to even suggest" any reason for the family to falsely accuse the appellant.
In addition to the imprisonment, the trial court had ordered Ali to pay a fine of Rs 30,000 and awarded Rs 3 lakh in victim compensation. The High Court has ordered the District Legal Services Authority to ensure this compensation reaches the survivor, with a compliance report due in eight weeks. The case is scheduled for further review on August 13, 2026.
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