Himachal court sentences man for attempting to rape cousin

The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Wednesday sentenced a man to simple imprisonment of three years for attempting to rape his minor cousin.

Setting aside the acquittal by the sessions court of Bilaspur on March 12, 2013, a division bench of Justices Rajiv Sharma and C.B. Barowalia also imposed a fine of Rs.5,000 on convict Bir Singh, who was 18 years old when he committed the offence.

In case of default of fine, Singh has to undergo an additional imprisonment of three months.

Bir Singh was convicted on May 5, but the quantum of the sentence was announced on Wednesday. His counsel sought a lenient view of the court as Singh is currently 27 years old.

The state had challenged the trial court judgment.

Doctor Savita Mehta, who examined the victim, informed the court that the possibility of attempt to rape could not be ruled out.

However, she said there were no signs of sexual intercourse.

--IANS

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