Rapist Youth Gets 20 Years Jail For Sexual Assault On Minor In Kandhamal Dist
Phulbani: A 24-year-old youth was sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a 17-year-old girl in 2016 by a Special POCSO Court in Phulbani of the Kandhamal district on Wednesday.
A fine of Rs 20,000 was also imposed on the convict, Santa Kumar Pradhan by the court. If the convict fails to pay up the fine then he would have to serve an additional two-year jail term.
The court examined 16 witnesses and other evidence to pass the verdict.
According to the prosecution, on July 18, 2016, during a storm, the convict hailing from Daringbadi in Kandhamal district had taken shelter at the victim’s house. As she was alone in the house at that time, the convict overpowered her and raped her.
In 2021, the village committee pressured the victim to marry Pradhan. But in 2024, Pradhan abandoned the victim.
Then only, the survivor filed an FIR at the Phiringia police station. It led to his arrest, trial and punishment.
