Three convicted in drug and POCSO cases in Pakyong district

The Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Pakyong district held a press briefing today to announce convictions in three separate cases — two under the Sikkim Anti-Drugs Act (SADA) and one under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. These cases underline the continued efforts of the Sikkim Police to crack down on drug-related crimes and offences against children.

The SSP, along with officers from the district police team, spoke about the successful outcomes of these cases. Each case was thoroughly investigated by local police officials and has now resulted in convictions after detailed legal proceedings.

1. Eight-Year Sentence in SADA Case from Rangpo

The first case involved Tshering Gandey Lachungpa, who was serving with the Sikkim Police (IRBN) at the time of his arrest. This case was registered at the Rangpo Police Station in 2020. After a full trial, the Special Judge under the SADA court found Lachungpa guilty under Section 9(1)(b) of the Act. He was sentenced to eight years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹80,000. The investigation in this case was led by Police Inspector Ankita Pradhan.

2. Five-Year Jail Term in POCSO Case from Pakyong

In another major ruling, the court convicted one Limbu Manger, also known as Raju Thapa, under Section 10 of the POCSO Act, 2012. The case was registered at Pakyong Police Station. The convicted individual has been sentenced to five years in prison. This case was investigated by Sub-Inspector Sangita Khatiwara, who ensured the matter was dealt with firmly and swiftly.

3. Seven-Year Imprisonment in Another SADA Case from Ranipool

In a separate SADA case from Ranipool Police Station, the court sentenced Padam Tamang, a resident of Chandmari, Gangtok, to seven years of imprisonment. The investigation was carried out by Sub-Inspector Ram Kr Karki from Rongli Police Station. The case is a reflection of the coordinated policing effort across different police jurisdictions in the state.

Police Say More Work Continues

The SSP highlighted that the successful conclusion of these cases is not just about convictions but also about building community trust. He explained that the police are now focusing not just on action against offenders, but also on educating the public about the dangers of drug abuse and the importance of protecting children. Outreach programmes and awareness drives have been rolled out across the district, especially targeting young people and schools.

Ongoing Outreach and Community Engagement

The Pakyong District Police have also taken up several initiatives to prevent future crimes, especially those related to drugs. The police are working closely with local communities, schools, and NGOs to educate people about the risks and consequences of substance abuse. Leaflets, community meetings, and youth programs are being used to reach out to the public in both rural and urban areas.

The SSP said that law enforcement must go hand in hand with awareness. “We are doing our best to make people aware. Prevention is as important as prosecution,” he said. He also praised the investigating officers for their dedication and professionalism in handling these sensitive cases.

The update was shared by the District Information Office (DIO), Pakyong, and is part of the broader efforts under the campaign for a strong and prosperous Sikkim.