In a significant legal judgment delivering long-awaited justice, the Kendrapada Special POCSO Court on Tuesday sentenced the key accused, Arjun, to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for his involvement in the sensitive Pattamundai minor gangrape case.
Delivering the landmark verdict, Special Judge Pragnya Paramita Rout found the accused guilty under stringent sections of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Indian Penal Code. Along with the 25-year prison term, the court imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on Arjun, specifying that failure to pay the fine would result in additional imprisonment.
Tragic Incident That Shocked the Region
The harrowing incident occurred under the jurisdiction of the Pattamundai Rural Police Station when a minor girl was returning home from a local market. The convict, Arjun, along with two associates, intercepted the young girl on her way, forcibly dragged her to a secluded area, and brutally gangraped her.
The atrocious act sparked widespread outrage and tension across the region. Following a complaint lodged by the victim’s family, the police promptly registered a case, launched a rigorous investigation, and submitted a detailed charge sheet in court containing crucial medical evidence, forensic reports, and witness testimonies.
Status of Other Accused & Victim Relief
This case involves three key accused:
- Arjun: Convicted today and sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment with a ₹50,000 fine.
- Gauranga Sethi: Previously convicted and sentenced by the court in connection with the same crime.
- Jaladhara Sethi: The third suspect who remains absconding. Despite continuous raids, police have yet to arrest him.
To assist the victim and her family during their recovery, the administration and legal authorities previously sanctioned and disbursed financial compensation of ₹10 lakh.
Local Reaction & Demands
The final hearing concluded after evaluating comprehensive medical proof and police investigation findings. Following the verdict, the victim’s family expressed relief over the court’s stern decision, and local residents welcomed the punishment as an impactful deterrent against crimes against minors.
However, community members have strongly urged the Kendrapada police to expedite efforts to track down and arrest the third absconding perpetrator, Jaladhara Sethi, so complete legal accountability is ensured.
