Bhubaneswar: In a remarkable display of efficiency and commitment to justice, the Jharsuguda Police, acting under the explicit guidance of Odisha’s Director General of Police, achieved a significant milestone by securing a life imprisonment conviction for a heinous crime within just 99 days of the FIR’s registration.
The case involved the brutal rape of a visually impaired minor girl, and this swift resolution stands as a powerful testament to the Odisha government and its police force’s dedication to protecting women and children through scientific investigation and diligent trial oversight within the framework of the new criminal justice system.
The incident occurred on May 2, 2025, when the victim, a minor blind girl, visited the home of a 54-year-old neighbor to listen to the television. Taking advantage of the afternoon hours when his family was asleep, the accused forcibly assaulted her, gagged her to stifle her cries, and threatened to kill her if she revealed the crime. Undeterred by the threat, the victim confided in her family, and her father promptly filed a complaint at Rengali Police Station on May 6, 2025, registering the case as Rengali Police Station Case No. 105 under Section 64(2)(k) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), later amended to include Section 351(2) BNS and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
The Jharsuguda Police responded with remarkable speed, arresting the accused on May 8, just two days after the FIR was lodged. By May 28, a mere 22 days later, they filed a comprehensive chargesheet, leveraging advanced forensic techniques such as DNA analysis to build an airtight case. Their meticulous investigation, combined with real-time monitoring of the trial process, ensured no delays, aligning seamlessly with the new criminal laws’ emphasis on timely justice.
On August 13, 2025, exactly 99 days from the FIR, the Additional District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court (POCSO), Ms. Puja Sarangi, delivered a landmark verdict, convicting the accused to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹10,000 under Section 64(2)(k) BNS and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
Beyond the conviction, the court took a significant step toward the survivor’s rehabilitation by awarding her ₹10,50,000 under the NALSA Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018. This financial support is intended to cover her medical treatment, psychological counseling, education, and long-term rehabilitation, acknowledging the profound physical and emotional trauma she endured. The case was prosecuted by Special Public Prosecutor P.R. Singhdeo, with the investigation led by Samarendra Nayak, OIC of Rengali Police Station, under the direct supervision of Jharsuguda SP Smit P. Parmar.
This swift and decisive action reflects the Odisha Police’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against women and children. By employing cutting-edge forensic tools, enforcing stringent legal provisions, and maintaining close coordination with prosecutors and courts, they ensured justice was delivered without delay. Their survivor-centric approach provided legal aid, counseling, and protection, with a particular focus on vulnerable groups such as minors and disabled individuals.
DGP Odisha Y B Khurania means that Justice delayed is justice denied. Odisha Police’s resolve is clear—swift, sure, and scientific investigations to ensure that no criminal escapes the law. This conviction reinforces Odisha Police’s pledge to protect the vulnerable and deliver justice without delay.
This historic conviction not only brings justice to the survivor but also sets a powerful precedent for handling sensitive cases involving society’s most vulnerable, reinforcing public trust in Odisha’s law enforcement and judicial system.
