Sundargarh POCSO Court Sentences Man to 20 Years for Raping Minor
A special POCSO court in Sundargarh has sentenced a 29-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the rape and impregnation of a 12-year-old girl.
A special POCSO court in Sundargarh on Monday sentenced a 29-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping and impregnating a 12-year-old girl. The conviction follows a case that was reported in September 2019, when the survivor was discovered to be five months pregnant. Additional District Judge-cum-Presiding Officer Gyana Ranjan Patnaik delivered the verdict after overseeing the examination of 27 witnesses during the trial. The judgment was pronounced in the special POCSO court situated in Sundargarh district, which handles cases involving sexual offences against children under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act. The sentencing took place on Monday, August 31, 2026, as reported by Malay Ray for The Times of India from Rourkela.
How did the legal proceedings begin?
According to the prosecution, the survivor's elder brother lodged a formal complaint at a police station in Sundargarh district on September 6, 2019. He told officers that his 12-year-old sister had become five months pregnant after being sexually assaulted by the accused. He further stated that the girl had been raped while she was alone at home and that the accused had threatened her with dire consequences should she disclose the incident to anyone. Following the complaint, police registered a case under the relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The accused was promptly arrested and placed in judicial custody, where he remained throughout the entire trial process.
What were the court's final orders?
Judge Gyana Ranjan Patnaik sentenced the convicted man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a monetary fine of Rs 20,000. The court clarified that, in the event of non-payment of the fine, the convict must serve an additional year of imprisonment. Furthermore, the court directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Sundargarh, to disburse a compensation amount of Rs 7 lakh to the survivor for the trauma endured. Special Public Prosecutor Prabhat Kumar Nanda, who represented the prosecution throughout the proceedings, presented the case against the accused. The judge reached his decision after carefully considering the testimonies of 27 witnesses, highlighting the seriousness of the offence and the necessity for a strong deterrent message.
The article was reported by Malay Ray, a journalist with The Times of India based in Rourkela, who covers social issues and human interest stories in the Sundargarh district.
What was the sentence given to the accused in the Sundargarh POCSO case?
The accused was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20,000.
When was the case first reported to the police?
The survivor's elder brother lodged the complaint on September 6, 2019.
How much compensation was awarded to the survivor?
The court directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Sundargarh, to provide Rs 7 lakh in compensation.
Who presided over the trial in the Sundargarh POCSO court?
The verdict was delivered by Additional District Judge-cum-Presiding Officer Gyana Ranjan Patnaik.
How many witnesses were examined during the trial?
The court examined 27 witnesses before delivering the conviction.
Ansuya Minz
Senior District Correspondent, Sundargarh
Ansuya Minz has covered Sundargarh district for six years, reporting on the steel belt's industry, tribal welfare policy, and the Rourkela sports ecosystem. She is based in Rourkela.
View all articles by Ansuya →
Loading…