By TC News Desk
Agartala, 14th August 2025: The District and Sessions Court in Kumarghat has sentenced 44-year-old Harkumar Debnath to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly raping an 11-year-old girl at his residence, where she had been attending private tuition.
According to Special Public Prosecutor Sunirmal Deb and advocate Sandeep Debroy, the victim is a class VI student had been visiting her female tutor’s home for lessons. It was during these sessions, particularly when the tutor was engaged in religious rituals or absent, that Debnath allegedly assaulted the child multiple times.
The abuse came to light after the girl refused to return to the tutor’s house following a visit on July 5, 2023. Her family later found the extent of the assaults and filed a formal complaint at Kumarghat police station on July 8.
Female Inspector Mandira Debnath led the investigation and submitted the charge sheet within weeks, on July 31, 2023. The prosecution presented testimony from twelve witnesses during the trial.
Today, Special Judge Amarendra Kumar Singh delivered the verdict, sentencing Debnath to 20 years in prison along with a fine of Rs 11,000. In case of default, the convict will serve an additional four months in jail.
Special PP Sunirmal Deb represented the government in the case, which has drawn attention to the vulnerability of children in informal educational settings and the need for stricter safeguards.
