Kohima court sentences woman to 7 years in prison in infant death case
Nagaland: In a significant decision, a court in Kohima has sentenced a 28-year-old woman to seven years in prison for the death of her newborn baby.
According to a press release from the Public Prosecutor’s Office, the court of the Principal District and Sessions Judge, presided over by Mezivolu T. Therieh, convicted Rosni Basnet under Section 304 Part II of the Indian Penal Code on March 23, 2026.
The case dates back to May 22, 2022, when the accused gave birth to a baby in the bathroom of Oking Hospital and allegedly threw the newborn from a second-floor window. The baby was later found in a drainage system and died from the injuries despite medical efforts.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 11 witnesses, with the state represented by Special Public Prosecutor Shashimongla Jamir. The investigation was conducted by ASI Venus Kikon. On March 25, 2026, the court sentenced him to seven years in prison and a fine of ₹5,000. In default of payment, the accused will have to serve an additional six months in simple imprisonment.
Delivering the verdict, the court stated that the act resulted in the death of a completely helpless newborn and demonstrated a callous disregard for life. The court stated that although the accused had committed the crime for the first time and appeared to have acted in distress, the gravity of the crime warranted punishment.
The prosecution, represented by Additional Public Prosecutor Abraham, acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the investigating team, prosecution, and medical officers in securing the conviction and reiterated its commitment to upholding justice in cases involving vulnerable victims.
