Srinagar, Apr 24: A court in north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has convicted a man in a 2014 sexual assault case involving a minor boy, bringing closure to a trial that spanned nearly a decade.

Judicial Magistrate First Class Mansoor Ahmad Mir, presiding in Tangdhar, found the आरोपी, Mohammad Rafiq Khawaja, guilty under Sections 377 (unnatural offences) and 341 (wrongful restraint) of the Ranbir Penal Code in a case registered at Police Station Karnah.
As per the court’s order, the convict has been sentenced to one year of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹3,000 under Section 377 RPC. Additionally, he has been awarded 10 days of simple imprisonment and a fine of ₹300 under Section 341 RPC.
The court directed that in case of non-payment of fines, the convict will undergo an additional one month of simple imprisonment. All sentences will run concurrently, and the period already spent in custody during investigation and trial will be set off against the total sentence.
The court also ordered that the convict be taken into custody immediately and lodged in Sub Jail Kupwara. Necessary warrants of imprisonment have been issued, and the personal as well as surety bonds furnished earlier have been cancelled.
According to the prosecution, the incident took place in August 2014 when the accused intercepted the minor while he was returning home. He allegedly wrongfully restrained the victim and forcibly dragged him into a maize field, where the assault occurred.
The crime came to light after a local resident, alerted by the victim’s cries, rushed to the scene, prompting the accused to flee.
During the course of the trial, the prosecution examined multiple witnesses, including the victim, his family members, an eyewitness, the investigating officer, and medical experts.
In its judgment, the court found the victim’s testimony to be consistent, credible, and capable of withstanding cross-examination. The eyewitness account further corroborated the victim’s version, particularly regarding the presence of the accused and the circumstances of his escape.
Medical evidence also supported the prosecution’s case, indicating injuries consistent with sexual assault. The court observed that the absence of certain forensic indicators did not weaken the overall strength of the evidence.
The conviction marks a significant step in delivering justice in a case that had remained pending for years.