In a remarkable display of efficiency and commitment to justice, Jharsuguda Police has secured a life imprisonment conviction for a 54-year-old man in the horrific rape case of a minor blind girl, achieving this milestone within just 99 days of FIR registration.
This landmark case, registered under Rengali PS Case No. 105 on May 6, 2025, underscores the police force’s dedication to protecting vulnerable victims and leveraging the new criminal justice system for swift and scientific investigations.
On May 2, 2025, the accused, a neighbour of the victim, took advantage of the afternoon hours when his family was asleep to assault the blind minor girl who had visited his home to listen to television. The perpetrator gagged her and threatened her life to silence her. The victim’s father reported the crime four days later, prompting immediate action from Jharsuguda Police.
The accused was arrested on May 8, 2025, and a chargesheet was filed by May 28, 2025, under Sections 64(2)(k)/351(2) BNS and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The investigation, led by Officer-in-Charge Samarendra Nayak and supervised by SP Smit P Parmar, utilised advanced forensic techniques, including DNA analysis, to build an irrefutable case.
The trial, overseen by Additional District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court (POCSO) Ms. Puja Sarangi and prosecuted by Special Public Prosecutor P R Singhdeo, concluded on August 13, 2025, with the accused sentenced to life imprisonment and a Rs. 10,000 fine.
In a significant step toward victim rehabilitation, the court awarded Rs. 10,50,000 in compensation to the survivor under the NALSA Victim Compensation Scheme, 2018. This financial aid will support the victim’s medical treatment, psychological counselling, education, and long-term rehabilitation, acknowledging the profound trauma she endured.
This case highlights Jharsuguda Police’s zero-tolerance policy toward crimes against women and children. Their approach includes rapid response, strict enforcement of BNS and POCSO laws, survivor-centric support with legal aid and counselling, and meticulous trial monitoring to prevent delays.
The focus on vulnerable victims, such as minors and disabled individuals, sets a precedent for justice delivery under India’s new criminal laws. SP Smit P Parmar stated, “Justice delayed is justice denied. Our resolve is clear—swift, sure, and scientific investigations to ensure that no criminal escapes the law. This conviction reinforces our pledge to protect the vulnerable and deliver justice without delay.”
The Jharsuguda Police’s achievement is a beacon of hope, demonstrating that timely and compassionate justice is possible, even in the most challenging cases.
