Keonjhar: In a significant judgment, Special Pocso Judge Monalisa Mohanty on Friday sentenced a 30-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape of an 11-year-old girl. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 on the convict. In case of non-payment of the fine, the convict will have to serve an additional two years in jail.
The court further directed the District Legal Service Authority to provide compassionate assistance of Rs 10 lakh to the survivor. Special Public Prosecutor (Pocso) Sanjay Paikary stated that the sentence was imposed under Section 6 of the Pocso Act, based on the evidence and witness statements presented during the trial.
According to details provided by the public prosecutor, the incident occurred on July 8, 2022. The minor girl was returning home in the evening from a wedding with her family members when the accused picked her up, took her near a pond, and raped her before fleeing the scene. The girl was rescued by her family members, who subsequently filed a complaint with the police. A case was registered, and the police arrested the accused.
The judgment underscores the commitment of the judiciary to deliver justice in cases of sexual offenses against minors, ensuring strict punishment for perpetrators.
