Fast Track Court in Cachar has convicted 49-year-old auto driver Joynul Haque Barbhuiya of Rajgobindpur in Dholai police station for seven years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 35-year-old housewife in 2017.
The incident took place on July 14, 2017, when the victim was coming back from the marketplace at about 9 am. At a remote place, Joynul allegedly halted her, abused her, gagged her mouth and took her to a nearby forest where he forcefully raped her. He afterward threatened that he would kill her if she disclosed the crime.
Though traumatized, the victim went back to her residence and filed an FIR at Dholai police station a day later. Police recorded a case and initiated an investigation. Once the probe was finalized, the case reached the trial stage, which dragged on for over eight years.
On August 18, 2025, Additional Sessions Judge (Fast Track Court) Bankim Sharma held Joynul guilty. Sentencing was handed over on August 20, under IPC Sections 376 and 506.
The court sentenced him to seven years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of ₹20,000. In default of payment, he will be jailed for an extra three months. Pradip Kumar Patoa represented the government counsel, whereas Tinku Baidya acted as the accused’s representative.