Social Media Erupts in Criticism After Ambassa POCSO Court Awards Only 3 Years’ Rigorous Imprisonment in Rape Case

By Our Correspondent

Agartala, December 3, 2025

A recent judgment by the Special POCSO Court in Ambassa, Dhalai district, has triggered widespread criticism across social media platforms, with citizens questioning how a rape convict received only three years of Rigorous Imprisonment and a Rs. 5,000 fine for a serious offence involving a minor.

According to a press release issued by the Tripura Police, the court on 02 December 2025 convicted Thamchirai Tripura (28) of Annaram Para under Ambassa Police Station for an offence under Section 08 of the POCSO Act, along with Section 376-AB of the IPC. The court sentenced him to three years RI and imposed a Rs. 5,000 fine, with an additional one month of simple imprisonment in case the fine is not paid.

The case was investigated by WSI Jayashree Sinha of Ambassa Women Police Station. After thorough investigation, a charge sheet was filed, and the trial court found the accused guilty.

However, soon after the judgment became public, strong reactions began pouring in on Facebook and other platforms. Many users expressed shock and disappointment, arguing that the punishment is disproportionately low for a crime as heinous as rape of a minor. Comments questioning the judgment include sentiments such as: How can a rapist walk free after just three years and a Rs. 5,000 fine?

Many people's in social media platforms said, Rape of a minor deserves far stricter punishment. This is unacceptable.

Legal experts note that punishment under POCSO Section 08 generally carries a minimum of three years, but the public outcry highlights a larger debate: Should the minimum sentence be reconsidered for crimes involving minors?

The controversy continues to grow, with many calling for an appeal and demanding stricter sentencing to ensure justice for victims and deterrence against future offences.

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