A special Pocso court in Berhampur delivered a stern verdict on Friday, sentencing a 60-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually abusing a 6-year-old girl last year. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on the convict, with additional jail time if unpaid.
Court Details and Penalties
Additional district-cum-special Pocso court judge Pranati Pattnaik pronounced the judgment, which includes a fine of Rs 5,000. Special public prosecutor Narayan Panda stated, "The man will have to undergo jail for another six months if he fails to pay the fine." The court further directed the district legal services authorities to provide a compensation of Rs 10.50 lakh to the victim, with the fine amount to be recovered from the convict.
Case Background and Investigation
The incident occurred on March 20 last year when the accused forcibly took the girl to a room while she was playing in the verandah of her house and sexually abused her. The girl later revealed her ordeal to her mother, who immediately took her to the hospital and lodged an FIR. Police registered a case under the Pocso Act and arrested the accused on the same day. The man has been in jail since his arrest.
Evidence and Witnesses
The court based its judgment on comprehensive evidence, including medical reports and statements from eight witnesses. These witnesses included police officials and doctors, whose testimonies were crucial in establishing the facts of the case. The thorough investigation and prompt legal action underscored the seriousness with which such crimes are handled under the Pocso Act.
Recent Similar Case in Berhampur
In a related development, the same court on Thursday sentenced six youths to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl in May 2024. That court also directed the district legal services authorities to provide a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the survivor, highlighting a pattern of stringent penalties for sexual offenses in the region.
This case reinforces the judicial commitment to protecting children and ensuring justice for victims of sexual abuse, with significant penalties and compensation mechanisms in place to support survivors.
