December 30: The High Court has sentenced five men involved in the rape of a 16-year-old girl in Thimphu this year. They were sentenced to prison terms ranging from 7–13 years. The incident took place at Samarzingkha in July. Police had arrested the five men at the crime scene following a tip-off.

One of the convicts, Tsenden Dorji, who claimed to be the victim’s lover, was sentenced to 13-years. He was convicted for helping the crime, rape of a minor, and harassment. His friend Dorji Tshering, was sentenced to seven years in prison for attempted rape.

While running away, the victim approached two other soldiers on duty for help. Instead, Kinley and Sonam Chogyal dragged the victim below the road in Samarzingkha.

The two denied to have raped the girl but confessed that they did drag her below the road. Police investigation and medical examination revealed enough evidence against the two soldiers. The two were sentenced to 13-years in prison for gang rape of a minor and harassment.

The fifth person Sangay Wangdue was acquitted by the Thimphu District court earlier.

However, further investigation found him guilty of the crime. The High Court issued an arrest order sentencing him for 13-years.

Police are still looking for the convict who went missing after he was acquitted by the Thimphu District court.