27-year-old sentenced to 20 years in prison for minor's kidnapping, rape
The verdict was delivered on Wednesday, marking a crucial step in the fight against crimes against minors.
The convict, Dusmanta Jena, was fined Rs 30,000. Failure to pay the fine will result in an additional six months of imprisonment. The court has directed the Odisha State Legal Services Authority (OSLSA) to compensate the girl with Rs 2 lakh.
The incident dates back to April 9, 2023, when the girl was abducted while returning home from college.
Following the filing of an FIR, police swiftly launched an investigation, leading to Jena's arrest and rescuing of the girl from Vijayawada three days later.
Judge Abhijit Palei, while pronouncing the verdict, relied on the testimonies of 13 witnesses, including the girl's, and the medical report. Jena was convicted under Section 376 of the IPC (rape) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012.
Special public prosecutor Rajiv Mohanty emphasised the importance of the ruling, stating that it underscores the judiciary's commitment to delivering justice in cases of sexual offenses against minors.
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