POCSO CONVICT SENTENCED TO 20 YEARS RIGOROUS IMPRISONMENT BY FTSC, BERHAMPUR

Court Imposes ₹50,000 Fine; Six Months’ RI in Default

Desk, Odisha Barta

Berhampur, September 10, 2026:In a significant development in a case involving an offence against a child, the Ad hoc Additional District & Sessions Judge, Fast Track Special Court (FTSC) under the POCSO Act, Berhampur, has convicted an accused investigated by Gopalpur Police and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment.

The case relates to Gopalpur P.S. Case No. 110 dated June 9, 2022, corresponding to G.R. No. 137/22, which was registered under Sections 363, 366, 376(2)(n) and 376(3) of the IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.

The convict has been identified as Susanta Kumar Sahu alias Dipun Sahu (26), son of Late Manoj Kumar Sahu of New Golabandha under Gopalpur Police Station in Ganjam district.

Following the trial, the court convicted Sahu under Sections 376(2)(n) and 376(3) of the IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act.

The court sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of ₹50,000. In default of payment of the fine, he will undergo a further six months of rigorous imprisonment.

Berhampur Police said the conviction reflects the efforts made in the investigation, collection and presentation of evidence, as well as coordination with the prosecution during the trial.

The police reiterated its commitment to professional and victim-centric investigation of offences against children and to pursuing such cases before the competent courts in accordance with law.

Police also appealed to the public to remain vigilant regarding the safety of children and to promptly report any suspected or actual offence against a child to the authorities.