Why Were Two Individuals Sentenced to 20 Years of RI in Odisha?
Synopsis
In Odisha, a Special POCSO court has sentenced two men to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment each for shocking cases of sexual abuse against minors. The swift justice delivered highlights the critical need for child protection in society. Discover the details of these harrowing incidents and the court's decisive actions.
Key Takeaways
Two individuals sentenced to 20 years RI each.
Cases highlight the importance of child protection.
Swift justice delivered within 79 days.
Victims awarded compensation of Rs 10 lakh each.
Legal action taken under POCSO Act.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 17 (NationPress) A Special POCSO court in Odisha's Sambalpur has, on Tuesday, handed down sentences of 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) each to two individuals for their involvement in separate cases of sexual abuse against minors in the district.
The first case occurred on November 29, 2025, when a 10-year-old girl went to a nearby shop to purchase snacks. The accused, Madhusudan Bagarty, aged 55, forcibly dragged her into his home and assaulted her. Special Public Prosecutor Prasanna Kumar Sahoo stated that upon returning home, the young victim confided in her mother about the incident, leading to a complaint at the Dhama Police Station in Sambalpur the following day, undeterred by societal stigma.
Following this, police apprehended Bagarty on December 1, 2025, registering a case under various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the POCSO Act.
After reviewing witness testimonies and additional evidence, the court declared Bagarty guilty. The judgment was delivered swiftly, within a mere 79 days of the crime. He received a sentence of 20 years of RI and a fine of Rs 50,000; failure to pay would result in an additional year of rigorous imprisonment. The court also mandated that the Sambalpur District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) compensate the victim with Rs 10 lakh under the Odisha Victim Compensation (Amendment) Scheme, 2025.
In the second case, on May 6, 2022, a 16-year-old girl was home alone while her parents took her younger brother for medical treatment. Seizing the opportunity, the accused Bhisma Pulei sexually assaulted her. Upon discovering the incident, the victim's father filed a report at the Rairakhol Police Station the next day.
Police arrested Pulei on May 9, 2022. After evaluating witness statements and other evidence, the court found him guilty and announced the judgment on February 13, sentencing Pulei to 20 years of RI under Section 4(2) of the POCSO Act. The court has also ordered the DLSA to provide Rs 10 lakh to the victim as compensation.
Point of View
The verdicts delivered by the Special POCSO court in Odisha serve as a crucial reminder of the ongoing fight against child sexual abuse. The legal system’s swift response in these cases reflects a growing awareness and commitment to protecting vulnerable minors. It is imperative that society continues to prioritize the safety and well-being of children through legal and community support.
NationPress
20 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the sentences given in these cases?
Both individuals were sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for their crimes.
What legislation was invoked in these cases?
The cases were prosecuted under the POCSO Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
How much compensation was awarded to the victims?
Each victim was awarded Rs 10 lakh as compensation under the Odisha Victim Compensation Scheme.
How quickly was the judgment delivered?
The court delivered its judgment within 79 days of the crimes occurring.
What is the significance of these verdicts?
These verdicts highlight the judicial system's commitment to protecting minors and addressing sexual abuse effectively.
