A special court in Cuttack dedicated to cases under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act has delivered a stern verdict, sentencing a 22-year-old man to two decades of rigorous imprisonment for the brutal rape of an 8-year-old girl. The ruling, pronounced on Friday, underscores the judiciary's firm stance on crimes against children.
The Horrific Incident and Swift Arrest
The crime dates back to August 4, 2024. The young survivor was returning home after delivering milk at another villager's house around 3:50 in the afternoon when the accused sexually assaulted her. The traumatic incident was reported by the girl's mother on the same day, leading to a prompt police investigation.
The accused was arrested on August 6, 2024, and had remained in judicial custody as an undertrial prisoner since then. The quick action by the authorities ensured the perpetrator was taken off the streets swiftly.
Court's Verdict and Legal Reasoning
Presiding Judge Himansu Sekhar Singh found the accused guilty under the stringent provisions of the law. The court ruled that the prosecution had successfully established the case "beyond reasonable doubt." The judge explicitly noted that the victim was eight years old at the time and the acts committed by the accused fell squarely within the definition of rape under Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), read with Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
In addition to the 20-year prison term, Judge Singh imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on the convict. The court order stated that failure to pay this fine would result in an additional two years of rigorous imprisonment. Demonstrating a focus on victim rehabilitation, the judge also made a strong recommendation to the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to grant a compensation of Rs 4 lakh to the young survivor.
Legal Proceedings and Conclusion
The case was presented in court by Special Public Prosecutors Ramesh Chandra Mohanty and Biswajeet Ray, who argued for the prosecution. The defense was represented by Advocate S K Baral. The detailed judgment and substantial sentence highlight the effective collaboration between the police, prosecution, and the judiciary in securing justice in a sensitive POCSO case.
This verdict from Cuttack sends a powerful message about the zero-tolerance approach towards sexual offences against children. The substantial prison term, coupled with the compensation for the survivor, reflects the legal system's commitment to both punishment and restorative justice for the most vulnerable victims.
