The Additional District Judge and Special POCSO Court in Keonjhar, presided by Judge Monalisa Mohanty, sentenced Ranjit Sethy of Nambira village to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for committing unnatural sexual assault on a minor boy.
The incident occurred on January 5, 2023, when the minor had gone near a local embankment in Bamebari police station limits. Taking advantage of the situation, Sethy allegedly lured the child and forcibly assaulted him. The victim’s friend informed the family, and a complaint was lodged at Bamebari police station the following day.
Police registered Case No. 7/2023 under Section 377 of IPC and Section 6 of the POCSO Act, leading to Sethy’s arrest and trial. Based on the testimony of 14 witnesses, the court found the accused guilty and imposed a Rs 2,000 fine, with an additional 1-year imprisonment in case of non-payment.
In a compassionate move, the court also directed that the victim be awarded Rs 7 lakh compensation through the District Legal Services Authority.
The prosecution was led by Special Public Prosecutor Ganesh Prasad Mahapatra, who ensured a thorough presentation of evidence and witness accounts.
