Special Court Sentences Man to 30 Years Hard Labor for Rape of 14-Year-Old Girl in Kyauktaw

News ၊ September 6, 2026

The Mrauk-U Special Court has sentenced offender U Maung Aye Hla to 30 years' imprisonment with hard labor for committing sexual violence against a 14-year-old girl in Kyauktaw Township, Arakha.

Following judicial proceedings, the Mrauk-U Special Court yesterday, September 5, sentenced U Maung Aye Hla under Section 376 of the Penal Code to 20 years' imprisonment with hard labor, and under Section 377 to 10 years' imprisonment with hard labor, ordering the two sentences to run consecutively.

Consequently, the convict, U Maung Aye Hla, will serve a total cumulative sentence of 30 years with hard labor for both offenses.

The perpetrator sentenced to 30 years of hard labor is identified as 55-year-old U Maung Aye Hla from Thein Tan Village, Kyauktaw Township.

On April 7, 2026, he led the 14-year-old daughter of a family employed as guards at his orchard along the Yam Chaung stream in Kyauktaw Township under the pretext of retrieving a solar panel, before sexually assaulting her inside a temporary hut along the route.

According to police reports, the victim's complaint further alleged that the perpetrator forced her 8-year-old younger sister to perform indecent acts.

Regarding the incident, the victim's mother filed an official complaint with the local Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) station on May 15, initiating formal legal proceedings against U Maung Aye Hla under Penal Code Sections 376 and 377.

Following the opening of the case, U Maung Aye Hla went into hiding. However, track-and-trace operations led to his arrest at his residence in Thein Tan Village, Kyauktaw Township, on July 30.

Following his arrest, interrogations conducted under a remand order led to a full confession, during which the suspect expressed willingness to submit a formal confession before the court.

Based on legal directives from the Mrauk-U District Law Office, authorities resolved to prosecute U Maung Aye Hla under Penal Code Sections 376 and 377, formally submitting the case to the Mrauk-U District Court on August 28.

Following central announcements from the ULA that Special Courts have been established since August 2026 to expedite judicial proceedings for major crimes including statutory rape-murder, adult rape-murder, and homicide the Special Court delivered its verdict just days after the case was formally submitted to court.

The Arakkha Government highlighted its ongoing commitment to swift judicial processes, noting that the Department of Law Enforcement and Public Security (DLEPS) is actively pursuing the apprehension of remaining fugitives who have evaded law enforcement.

Source@ONN