Odisha man gets life imprisonment for raping divyang minor

In a significant judgment, the Special POCSO Court in Balasore has sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the rape of a differently-abled minor girl. The verdict was delivered after the court found him guilty under relevant sections of the POCSO Act.

According to court proceedings, the conviction was based on the testimonies of 20 witnesses and examination of 27 crucial pieces of evidence and documents. The verdict was pronounced by the Judge of the Special POCSO Court, Balasore.

Along with life imprisonment, the court has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000. In case of default, the convict will undergo an additional 1 year of imprisonment.

Furthermore, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) has been directed to provide Rs 4 lakh as financial assistance to the survivor.

The case was originally registered under Case No. 145/24 at Sahadevkhunta Police Station in Balasore. The prosecution was conducted by an independent public prosecutor appointed by the state.