A special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Pocso) court in Jajpur, Odisha, has sentenced a 26-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the kidnapping and rape of a teenage girl. The incident took place in a village under Kendrapada district last year.
Court Verdict and Fine
Additional District Judge-cum-Special Judge (Pocso) Abhilash Senapati pronounced the verdict on Friday. Along with the prison term, the court imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict. In case of default in payment, he will have to serve an additional one year of imprisonment.
The court also directed the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to pay Rs 8 lakh as compensation to the rape survivor. The compensation is intended to aid in her rehabilitation and support.
Conviction Under Multiple Sections
The convict was found guilty under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, including Sections 64(2)(m) (repeated rape of the same woman), 137(2) (kidnapping), 74 (assault or use of criminal force to outrage modesty), and 75 (sexual harassment). Additionally, he was convicted under Section 6 of the Pocso Act, 2012, which deals with aggravated penetrative sexual assault.
Details of the Crime
According to the prosecution, the convict kidnapped the 15-year-old girl on January 23 last year. He then took her to the house of one of his relatives, where he repeatedly sexually assaulted her for nearly two months. The girl was held captive and subjected to continuous abuse during this period.
The victim's mother filed a complaint at the local police station, alleging that her daughter had been kidnapped and sexually assaulted by the man. Based on the complaint, police arrested the accused and subsequently filed a chargesheet in the case.
The court, after examining evidence and witnesses, convicted the man and delivered the sentence. The verdict has been welcomed by child rights activists and local residents, who see it as a strong message against such heinous crimes.
