Why was a man sentenced to life for sexually abusing his daughter?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
A shocking case from Odisha reveals the harrowing truth of abuse within families. A court has sentenced a father to life imprisonment for the sexual abuse of his minor daughter, highlighting the urgent need for protection and justice for vulnerable children. This incident sheds light on the dark realities many children face at home.
Key Takeaways
- Life imprisonment imposed for sexual abuse.
- Convict was found guilty after 18 witness testimonies.
- Victim received Rs 10 lakh for rehabilitation.
- Step-mother involved but remains at large.
- Public awareness is crucial in preventing child abuse.
Bhubaneswar, May 19 (NationPress) A court in Odisha's Bargarh district has sentenced a 42-year-old man to life imprisonment after he was found guilty of sexually abusing his own minor daughter. The individual, known as Ganesh Seth, resides within the jurisdiction of the Bargarh town police station.
In addition to his prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 20,000. Special Public Prosecutor Dyutish Acharya informed IANS that Seth is the father of a 12-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old son, having remarried after the death of his first wife several years ago.
“The defendant, in collusion with the stepmother, subjected both children to severe mistreatment. He repeatedly raped his 12-year-old daughter while threatening her against revealing the abuse to anyone. Eventually, the victim, unable to endure the suffering, disclosed her experiences to the cook at her village school. This compassionate cook and her husband took the victim to the district Childline, which then contacted the police,” added SPP Acharya.
On February 22, 2020, the Bargarh town police initiated legal proceedings against Seth and his stepmother under various sections of the IPC and POCSO Act.
Seth was apprehended a few days later while attempting to evade arrest, while his stepmother remains unaccounted for. Following the testimonies of 18 witnesses and examination of various documentary evidence, including medical reports, the court found Seth guilty.
In a ruling delivered on Monday, the court decreed that Seth must remain in prison for the rest of his life without the possibility of parole.
Furthermore, the court directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) of Bargarh to provide Rs 10 lakh in compensation to the victim for her rehabilitation and resettlement.
In a separate case, a court in Mayurbhanj district sentenced a 32-year-old man, Hemendra Naik, to life imprisonment for raping an 11-year-old girl in Jashipur area in 2024.
Reports indicate that the victim accompanied her younger sister to a local market on June 4, 2024. The convict encountered the girls and sent the younger sibling home.
He subsequently led the victim to a secluded area and sexually assaulted her. After being informed by the younger sister, the victim's mother hurried to the scene and rescued her injured daughter, who filed a police complaint the following day. The accused was arrested on June 7, 2024, with a case registered accordingly.
During the same session, the court also ordered the DLSA in Mayurbhanj to pay Rs 3 lakh to the victim as compensation.
Point of View
I stand firmly in support of justice for victims of abuse. This case underscores the importance of vigilance and legal action to protect our children. Every child deserves a safe environment, free from harm and exploitation. We must ensure that such incidents are addressed with the seriousness they warrant.
NationPress
09/06/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the sentence given to the convict?
The convict was sentenced to life imprisonment for sexually abusing his minor daughter.
What compensation was awarded to the victim?
The court ordered the District Legal Services Authority to pay Rs 10 lakh to the victim for her rehabilitation.
Is the stepmother of the victim facing charges?
Yes, the stepmother is also facing charges but is currently at large.
What measures are in place to protect children in such cases?
Authorities are urged to strengthen child protection laws and ensure immediate intervention in cases of abuse.
What can be done to prevent such crimes?
Increased awareness, education, and strict enforcement of laws are essential to prevent child abuse.
