Berhampur Court Delivers Strong Verdict in Minor Rape Case
A special Pocso court in Berhampur delivered a significant judgment on Friday. The court sentenced a 30-year-old man to twenty years of rigorous imprisonment. This sentence comes for the rape of a fourteen-year-old girl in Ganjam district. The crime occurred approximately two years ago.
Court Imposes Fine and Compensation Order
Additional district-cum-special court judge Pranati Pattnaik presided over the case. The judge also imposed a financial penalty on the convict. A fine of five thousand rupees must be paid. Special public prosecutor Narayan Panda provided details. He stated that failure to pay this fine would result in an additional six months of jail time for the accused.
The court issued another crucial directive. It ordered the district legal services authorities to provide compensation to the victim. The compensation amount is ten lakh fifty thousand rupees. Prosecutor Panda clarified the payment process. The entire sum will be disbursed to the girl after recovery from the convict.
Legal Process and Evidence Presented
The court reached its decision after a thorough examination of evidence. Judge Pattnaik recorded statements from seven witnesses during the trial. These witnesses included police officials and a doctor. Medical reports also formed a key part of the evidence presented before the court.
Sources familiar with the case revealed disturbing details. The man committed the rape on June 15, 2024. The attack happened while the girl was on her way to bathe at a village pond. The perpetrator used threats to silence his victim. He warned her not to disclose the crime to anyone. Tragically, he subjected her to multiple assaults.
Case Registration and Arrest Timeline
A relative of the girl eventually came forward to report the crime. This relative lodged a formal First Information Report on May 2, 2025. Police acted swiftly upon receiving the complaint. They arrested the accused on the very same day. The man remained in judicial custody from the moment of his arrest. He has been in jail throughout the legal proceedings leading to this verdict.
This case highlights the judicial system's handling of crimes against minors under the Pocso Act. The substantial prison term and financial penalties underscore the seriousness with which the court viewed this offense. The compensation order aims to provide some support to the young survivor as she rebuilds her life.
