What Sentences Did a Man Receive for Sexually Assaulting a Minor Girl in Odisha?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Rabindra Behera sentenced to 20 years for assaulting a minor.
- Compensation of Rs 4 lakh ordered for the victim.
- Local residents played a key role in apprehending the accused.
- The court based its decision on nine witness statements.
- Another case involved a 59-year-old man receiving a similar sentence for unnatural acts.
Bhubaneswar, Aug 8 (NationPress) A POCSO court here on Friday sentenced a 35-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a seven-year-old minor girl in the Tamando area of Bhubaneswar in February 2021.
The convicted individual was identified as Rabindra Behera from the Rambha area in Ganjam district.
According to reports, the victim was playing inside her house with her twin brothers on February 25, 2021.
The victim's mother, engaged in a discussion with neighbors outside, noticed Rabindra loitering near their home.
After about 10 to 15 minutes, she realized he was no longer there.
Out of suspicion, she rushed inside and discovered Rabindra engaging in inappropriate behavior with her daughter.
When confronted, he attempted to escape by forcefully pushing her aside.
However, nearby residents intervened, apprehended Rabindra, and handed him over to the authorities.
The court delivered its verdict on Friday after reviewing the testimonies of nine witnesses and 55 pieces of evidence.
Rabindra received a sentence of 20 years rigorous imprisonment and was fined Rs 8,000.
Furthermore, the court instructed the district legal services authority to facilitate a compensation payment of Rs 4 lakh to the victim.
In another notable case, the POCSO court in Berhampur sentenced a 59-year-old man to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for committing unnatural acts with his 16-year-old nephew in the Baidyanathpur police station area of Ganjam district in 2023.
The details reveal that in February 2023, the accused, Nityananda Patra, lured the victim to his home under false pretenses and forcefully engaged in unnatural acts with him.
After sustaining serious injuries, the victim disclosed the incident to his family members.
On February 17, 2023, the victim's mother lodged a formal complaint at the Baidyanathpur police station.
Subsequently, the police arrested the accused and initiated legal proceedings against him.
The court reached its verdict based on nine witness statements and additional evidence, finding Patra guilty of the offense.
Additionally, the Ganjam District Legal Services Authority was ordered to provide the victim with Rs 50,000 in financial compensation.