Bhubaneswar: An Additional District Judge in Odisha’s Boudh district has delivered a verdict in a sensitive rape case involving a mentally challenged minor girl, sentencing the convict to seven years of rigorous imprisonment.
The convicted, Ganesh Pradhan of Gudapada village, was awarded punishment under Section 10 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Section 332(g) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
According to case details, the incident occurred on March 7, 2024, when the parents of the minor girl were away from home. The accused allegedly entered the house and sexually assaulted the mentally disabled girl. A complaint was subsequently lodged at Boudh Police Station on March 12, 2024.
Police conducted a swift investigation and submitted the charge sheet before the court within a short period. Based on the evidence presented, the court pronounced its final judgment, ensuring conviction in the case.
Senior police officials said the case highlights improved efficiency in investigation and prosecution following the implementation of new criminal laws.
Director General of Police Yogesh Bahadur Khurania commended the efforts of the district police, congratulating the Superintendent of Police and the investigating officer for securing a timely conviction. He noted that the pace of investigations and convictions has improved significantly after the enforcement of the new legal framework.
