Baripada: The Special POCSO Court here today sentenced one Arjun Hembram to 15 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for raping a minor girl.
In addition to this, the court has slapped a fine of Rs 15,000 on Hembram. On default to pay the fine, Hembram has to undergo RI for one year more, the court ruled.
The court pronounced the sentence on the basis of statements of eight witnesses, evidence, and medical reports.
Further, the court has ordered the District Legal Services Authority to provide assistance to the victim.
According to reports, in 2014 convict Hembram of Kendubhutu village under Sarat police limits of Mayurbhanj district on finding the victim alone in her home had raped her.
Hembram had threatened the victim with dire consequences if she dared to reveal it to her family.
The victim’s family came to know about it after six months of her pregnancy. Following this, the victim’s family lodged a written complaint at the Sarat police station.
Hembram was arrested and forwarded to court by the police following the registration of the complaint.
