Sambalpur: A court in Odisha’s Sambalpur district has sentenced a self-styled godman to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) in connection with a rape case registered at Rairakhol Police Station in 2024.
The case was tried in the court of the Additional District and Sessions Judge, Rairakhol, who on Thursday, convicted the accused under Section 64(1) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
The court sentenced the convict to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹10,000. In default of payment of the fine, the convict will undergo an additional one year of rigorous imprisonment.
According to case details, a complaint was lodged on December 6, 2024, alleging that the accused sexually assaulted a woman at Baishnabhajholi under Rairakhol police limits.
The accused reportedly administered an intoxicating substance to the victim, rendering her unconscious before committing the crime.
Police registered a case (No. 286/2024) and carried out an investigation, following which a charge sheet was filed on February 2, 2025.
The conviction marks a significant outcome in ensuring justice in cases involving exploitation under the guise of spiritual authority.
