LATEHAR, JHARKHAND (Saturday, March 28, 2026) — A special court in Jharkhand’s Latehar district has sentenced six individuals to life imprisonment for the gang rape of a minor. The verdict, delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge (Second) cum Special Judge (POCSO), Sanjay Kumar Dubey, also includes a heavy financial penalty on the convicts, marking a significant outcome in the region’s fight against sexual violence.
The Convicts
The court found the following six men guilty of the crime:
- Kariman Ganjhu (38)
- Mukesh Ganjhu (27)
- Suresh Ganjhu (29)
- Pintu Ganjhu (25)
- Birendra Ganjhu (23)
- Rohit Oraon (25)
Judicial Ruling and Penalties
The court convicted the group under Section 376D of the IPC (punishment for gang rape) and relevant sections of the POCSO Act.
| Penalty Component | Details |
| Primary Sentence | Life Imprisonment for all six convicts. |
| Financial Fine | ₹10 Lakh fine imposed on each convict. |
| Total Fine | ₹60 Lakh (to be paid by the group). |
| Default Clause | Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional 2 years of imprisonment. |
Case Context: POCSO and IPC 376D
The sentencing follows the strict guidelines established under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the stringent amendments to the Indian Penal Code (now transitioning to BNS) regarding gang rape.
- Section 376D: Mandates that where a woman (or minor) is raped by one or more persons constituting a group, each person is deemed to have committed the offense and is punishable with imprisonment for a term which shall not be less than twenty years, but which may extend to life.
- Special Courts: The Latehar Special POCSO court’s speedy disposal and rigorous sentencing reflect the judiciary’s mandate to handle crimes against children with high priority.
Sources
- Press Trust of India (PTI): “Jharkhand: 6 sentenced to life imprisonment for gang rape of minor in Latehar” (March 28, 2026).
- The Pioneer: “Latehar Court awards life term to six in minor gang-rape case” (March 29, 2026).
- Prabhat Khabar: “लातेहार: नाबालिग से सामूहिक दुष्कर्म के 6 दोषियों को उम्रकैद” (March 28, 2026).
- Official Court Order: State of Jharkhand v. Kariman Ganjhu & Ors. (Special POCSO Case, Latehar, 2026).
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