Phulbani: A special Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) court at Phulbani has convicted and sentenced a person to undergo an imprisonment of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping and raping a minor girl.
The court, besides sentencing the accused, also imposed a fine of Rs 23,000 on him. The convict will have to undergo additional imprisonment of two years and three months on non-payment of fine.
The court also ordered the District Legal Services Authority to pay a compensation of Rs 6 lakh to the victim’s family.
The prosecution case was based on the FIR lodged in 2021. According to the FIR, Babul had lured and enticed the minor girl to elope with him and kidnapped her in February 2021. He had raped the girl multiple times on the pretext of marriage after kidnapping her in June 2021.
Based on the complaint filed by the victim’s family, Phiringia police had registered a case in this connection, rescued the minor girl and arrested Babul.
The accused has been charged under the POCSO Act and relevant Sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Public Prosecutor Asim Praharaj said, “Apart from kidnapping and raping the minor girl, Babul had reportedly threatened the victim’s father with life. Based on the statement of 12 witnesses and the medical report of the minor girl, the court pronounced the verdict. Apart from sentencing 20-year rigorous imprisonment to the accused, the court has awarded a compensation of Rs 6 lakh to the victim’s family. Also, the accused will have to undergo additional imprisonment of two years and three months on the failure of fine amount.”
