Bhubaneswar: : In a significant verdict that underscores the Odisha Police’s commitment to child protection and swift justice, the Additional District Judge-cum-Special POCSO Court in Jharsuguda has convicted two accused in the brutal rape of a minor girl.
The court sentenced main accused Pankaj Podh to life imprisonment along with an additional one year of rigorous imprisonment. His associate, Anu Bagh, was awarded two years of imprisonment. According to the prosecution, the shocking incident occurred on June 27, when the two accused allegedly raped a four-year-old girl. A case was registered at Brajrajnagar Police Station on June 30.
Following a thorough investigation, police filed charges under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), the POCSO Act, and the Juvenile Justice Act.The court convicted Pankaj Podh under Sections 65(2), 64(2)(f), and 115(2) of the BNS, as well as Section 6(1) of the POCSO Act. Anu Bagh was convicted under Section 115(2) of the BNS, Section 21 of the POCSO Act, and Section 75 of the Juvenile Justice Act.
Director General of Police YB Khurania congratulated Jharsuguda SP and the investigating officer for the speedy probe and conviction. He expressed satisfaction that the implementation of the new criminal laws has significantly improved investigation timelines and conviction rates in sensitive cases involving minors.
