Bhubaneswar: In a significant verdict, the Rourkela Fast Track Court has convicted a bus conductor and sentenced him to 10 years imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 1 lakh for molesting a woman passenger.
Besides, the convict identified as Pankaj Muna has been sentenced to two years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 50,000 under sections 354, 354(k), and 376 of the Indian Penal Code. The court also imposed an additional six months imprisonment if the fine remains unpaid.
Judge P Suriya Rao pronounced the verdict after hearing the statements of eight witnesses.
As per case history, the conductor had molested the woman passenger when she was travelling from Pattaamundai to Rourkela in a bus. The incident occurred around 3 am, and the victim filed a written complaint with the police, leading to the arrest of the accused and subsequent trial.
The prosecution, led by government lawyer Sudam Chandra Dash, presented eight witnesses and one supporting witness, along with 10 documents, to build a strong case against the Muna.
