Odishatv Bureau

Sambalpur: A fast-track court here today sentenced four persons to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for the sensational rape of a student of Sambalpur University nearly four years ago. Additional District Judge (First Track) Ashok Kumar Panda while awarding jail term to Sachin Sharma, Balaram Adguar, Sumit Patnaik and Abhinas Soren - also imposed a fine of Rs 5,000 on each.

In case of inability to pay the fine, the convicts would have to undergo jail term for additional three months. The MCA student of the university was kidnapped and sexually assaulted at three places in the town by youths belonging to separate groups for two days on February 23 and 24, 2008 sparking a state-wide furore. The court had earlier on January 13 sentenced five of the accused to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.

Altogether 10 persons involved in the incident were arrested. However, a juvenile, convicted by a local court in the case, had been set free after serving the sentence. According to prosecution, the girl was raped in three phases by separate gangs who handed her over to other accomplices after sexually assaulting her on two days. The incident had sparked off state-wide uproar and students agitation forcing the government to order a probe by the then Revenue Divisional Commissioner.

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