Berhampur: A 59-year-old man was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) by a Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) court in Berhampur on Friday for sexually assaulting a minor boy two years ago.
The convict, identified as a distant relative of the victim, was also fined Rs 10,000 by the Additional District Judge-cum-POCSO Court Judge. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional year of imprisonment.
The court further directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide compensation of Rs 50,000 to the victim. The entire fine amount recovered from the convict will also be awarded to the survivor.
The conviction and sentencing followed the examination of statements from nine witnesses, including police officials and doctors, along with medical reports presented during the trial.
According to the prosecution, the crime occurred on February 17, 2023. The accused lured the then 16-year-old boy to his home and forcibly committed an unnatural sexual act against him. The assault took place on the first floor of the house while other family members were present on the ground floor.
The incident came to light after the victim fell ill and confided in his mother. She promptly filed a First Information Report (FIR) the following day at Baidyanathpur police station.
The accused was arrested the same day under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the POCSO Act. He has remained in judicial custody since his arrest, as his earlier bail applications were rejected by the court.
