Bhubaneswar: The Additional District Sessions and POCSO Court here has convicted a man for attempting to rape a minor girl and sentenced him to seven years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000.
Judge Basudev Acharya pronounced the judgment after finding the accused, Ramachandra Bishoye, guilty. The court clarified that failure to pay the fine would attract additional imprisonment. It also directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide compassionate assistance of Rs 1 lakh to the minor victim.
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on October 8, 2024, under Maidalpur police station limits. The accused allegedly picked up the minor girl and dragged her into a nearby abandoned house. He then tried to rape her. The victim raised an alarm, following which her father reached the spot. Seeing him, the accused fled from the scene.
After the complaint was lodged, Maidalpur police registered a case and launched an investigation. Both the accused and the victim were medically examined. During the trial, the court recorded the statements of 15 witnesses.
On the basis of the testimony, evidence and documents, the court found the accused guilty and convicted him. Special Public Prosecutor Mrutyunjay Maharana represented the government in the case.
