Baripada: A Special fast-track POCSO court here in Mayurbhanj on Wednesday sentenced a 35-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for raping a minor girl in 2023.
The verdict, delivered by Special fast-track POCSO court-cum-Additional District and Sessions Judge Santosh Kumar Nayak, also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the convict, Mohammad Mustakin, with an additional six months of imprisonment if the fine remains unpaid.
Mustakin, a resident of Badadundu village under Bahalda police station, was found guilty of sexually assaulting the minor and threatening her with death to prevent her from disclosing the crime.
The court’s decision was based on compelling evidence, including witness testimonies, medical reports, and the police investigation.
In addition to the sentencing, Judge Nayak directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide Rs 4 lakh as compensation to the victim to support her recovery and rehabilitation.
The incident came to light when the victim’s family lodged a complaint with the Bahalda police, who promptly recorded the minor’s statement and arrested the accused. A case was registered on 31st March 2023, and Mustakin was forwarded to court.
