Sonepur, Jan 15: The Odisha High Court has acquitted Mahendra Pradhan of rape charges, ruling that a long-term consensual relationship cannot be treated as forced sexual assault. The court also modified his sentence for other offences, considering the time he had already served in jail. The judgment was delivered by Justice Radhakrishna Pattanaik.

The case dates back to 2006, when the victim approached Tarva police station in Sonepur, alleging that Mahendra Pradhan initially forced her at knifepoint and later maintained a long-term physical relationship with her under the promise of marriage. She also claimed that after becoming pregnant, the accused gave her medicines to induce abortion, which seriously affected her health.

The trial court had earlier found Mahendra guilty and sentenced him to seven years’ imprisonment. Challenging this verdict, he approached the High Court.

During the proceedings, the court noted that the victim had maintained a physical relationship with the accused for more than two years and had not informed anyone during that time. Based on this, the court concluded that the relationship could not be classified as “forced.”

The High Court also observed that the victim was not a minor at the time of the incident and was approximately 19 years old, according to school records. Medical evidence confirmed the abortion, and it was established that the accused had provided the medication.

While acquitting Mahendra Pradhan of the rape charge, the court clarified that the time already served in jail would suffice as punishment for other offences, effectively closing the case.