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A groundbreaking verdict was delivered in an Arunachal Pradesh court, marking a significant step in addressing child sexual abuse. The special POCSO court in Yupia sentenced Yumken Bagra, a former warden of a government residential school, to death for the rape and molestation of 21 students. The heinous crimes were committed between 2019 and 2022, when Bagra held the position of warden at the Karo Government Residential School in Shi Yomi district. The case came to light in November 2022 when a parent filed a complaint alleging that Bagra had attempted to rape his twin daughters and had subjected them to sexual abuse and torture while they were students at the residential school.
The court's decision to impose the death penalty highlights the gravity of the offenses and the societal outrage surrounding such crimes against vulnerable children. The judgment is expected to have a substantial impact on similar cases in the state and the region, serving as a strong deterrent against future acts of sexual abuse. While the death penalty remains a controversial topic, its application in this case reflects the court's belief in the severity of the crimes committed.
Apart from Bagra, two other accused, Marbom Ngomdir, the Hindi teacher, and Singtung Yorpen, the former headmaster, were also found guilty of their involvement. Ngomdir was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for his role, while Yorpen received a similar sentence for his inaction and failure to protect the students under his care. This verdict underscores the responsibility of all individuals in positions of authority to safeguard the welfare of children and take proactive measures to prevent such horrifying incidents.
The incident has sparked widespread condemnation and calls for stricter measures to protect children from sexual abuse and exploitation. The investigation, led by the Shi-Yomi SP Irak Bagra and West Siang SP Abhimanyu Poswal, was meticulously conducted by the Crime Branch Police Station Special Investigation Team (SIT) before being presented to the court. The conviction of the accused in this case marks a critical step towards holding perpetrators accountable and seeking justice for the victims. It also reinforces the importance of establishing robust legal frameworks and support systems to effectively address child sexual abuse and provide comprehensive protection for children in all settings.