Balasore: Fast Track Court Awards 20-Year Rigorous Imprisonment in 2022 Rape Case
In a significant verdict, a fast track special court in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, on Wednesday sentenced a 38-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a woman in 2022. The court, presided over by Judge S K Nayak, who serves as an ad-hoc additional district and sessions judge, also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the convict. In case of default in payment, the man will face an additional six months of imprisonment.
Details of the Heinous Crime
The man was found guilty of wrongfully restraining, assaulting, and raping the woman on September 2, 2022. According to the prosecution, the survivor was returning home after attending a funeral when she was accosted by the convict. As per her testimony, he forcibly restrained her, assaulted her, and dragged her to a nearby bush where he raped her. When she resisted and raised an alarm, he gagged her mouth to silence her.
The woman somehow managed to escape and return home. The following day, she sought medical treatment and later approached the police. On September 8, 2022, she lodged a written complaint, leading to the man's arrest the next day. He was subsequently remanded to custody, and his trial commenced on October 4, 2024.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
Judge S K Nayak pronounced the verdict after a thorough examination of seven prosecution witnesses, including the rape survivor, medical officers, and the investigating officer, along with 18 documentary exhibits. The court held the man guilty under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC):
- Section 341 for wrongful restraint
- Section 323 for voluntarily causing hurt
- Section 376 for rape
In addition to the 20-year sentence under Section 376 IPC, he was sentenced to one year of rigorous imprisonment under Section 323 IPC and one month under Section 341 IPC. All sentences will run concurrently, except the default sentence for non-payment of the fine.
Compensation for the Survivor
The court directed that the fine amount, once realised, be paid to the woman as compensation. Furthermore, the court recommended a compensation of Rs 2 lakh to the woman under Section 357(A) of the CrPC. This amount is to be deposited in a nationalised bank for five years, ensuring financial support for the survivor.
This verdict underscores the judiciary's commitment to delivering swift justice in heinous crimes, particularly through fast track courts. It also highlights the importance of survivor compensation in aiding recovery and providing a sense of closure.
