Jharsuguda, September 25: A court in Jharsuguda on Friday sentenced a theft accused to six months’ simple imprisonment ending the trial in just 17 days of the case being registered.

The convicted was identified as Sanatan Kishan (26) of Deheridhipa village under Rengali police station of Jharsuguda district.

According to police, Kisan committed a burglary at a Common Service Centre (CSC) near Katarbaga School along the NH-49 on September 9. Four second-hand mobile phones and two earbuds were stolen from the CSC.

A case was registered under Sections 331(4)/305(a) BNS and the case was investigated by Sub-Inspector Samarendra Nayak of Rengali Police Station.

During the investigation, it was revealed that Kishan was involved in the crime and accordingly he was apprehended.

Based on his disclosure, two stolen Redmi mobile phones, one earbud and an iron rod were recovered from his residence. The recovery and seizure proceedings were also videographed.

The investigation was completed expeditiously and the charge-sheet was submitted on September 19. Charges were framed and evidence commenced on September 21, and the Court of Civil Judge (Jr. Division)-cum-JMFC, Lakhanpur delivered its judgment on September 25, convicting the accused under Sections 331(4) and 305(a) BNS.

The Court sentenced the convict to six months’ simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs 5,000 under Section 305(a) BNS and three months’ simple imprisonment with a fine of Rs 2,000 under Section 331(4) BNS. Both sentences will run concurrently.

The entire process - from registration of the FIR on September 9 to conviction on September 25 - was completed within just 17 days.

Jharsuguda Superintendent of Police (SP) Gundala Reddy Raghavendra closely monitored the investigation and court trial, with emphasis on timely investigation, effective prosecution coordination and speedy justice.