Baripada, Jan 29: In a significant judgment, the Baripada Ad-hoc Additional District and Sessions Court, functioning as a Fast Track Special Court under the POCSO Act, on Friday sentenced a rape convict to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of ₹10,000.
The accused, Jishunath Hembram (38), was found guilty under Sections 341, 323, and 376 of the Indian Penal Code, along with relevant provisions of the POCSO Act. The judgment was pronounced by Judge S. K. Nayak after considering the victim’s testimony, witness statements, documentary evidence, and the police charge sheet.
As per the prosecution, the incident occurred on September 2, 2022, at around 7 pm, when the 63-year-old woman was returning home. Near Tilposi Mahira Bridge, the accused allegedly found the victim alone and sexually assaulted her. The victim managed to escape and sought medical treatment at Kishantandi Hospital.
Subsequently, on September 9, the victim lodged a written complaint at Chitrada Police Station. Following the complaint, police arrested the accused, conducted a detailed investigation, and submitted a charge sheet before the court.
The court further ruled that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment. Under Section 376(A), the court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide ₹2 lakh as compensation to the victim. The compensation amount will be deposited in a nationalized bank for five years and released to the victim thereafter.
The case was prosecuted on behalf of the Government of Odisha by Special Public Prosecutor Manoranjan Pattnaik.
