In a significant victory for child protection efforts, Odisha Police’s special initiative ‘Operation Nyaysiddh’ has led to the conviction and sentencing of two individuals in separate cases involving the sexual assault of minors.
The Sambalpur district POCSO court handed down 21-year rigorous imprisonment sentences in both instances, underscoring the effectiveness of the new Indian laws in expediting trials and ensuring stringent punishments.
Launched by Odisha Police to combat sexual exploitation of minors, ‘Operation Nyaysiddh’ prioritises rapid investigations, timely charge sheet submissions, and expedited judicial processes. This approach has been hailed as a model for delivering justice without undue delays.
In the first case, the court convicted an accused for the rape of an 11-year-old girl under Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. The perpetrator was sentenced to 21 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 50,000. Remarkably, the entire process—from the incident on November 29, 2025, in Bherapali village under Dhama police station to the final verdict—took just 79 days. The victim informed her mother about the assault, leading to a prompt police complaint. Authorities swiftly arrested the accused, conducted a thorough investigation, and filed the charge sheet within the stipulated timeframe, demonstrating the operational efficiency of the new legal framework.
The second case stems from Redhakhol police station (Case No. 99, dated May 7, 2022), where Bhishma Pulei (27) was found guilty of raping a minor girl. He too received a 21-year rigorous imprisonment sentence under similar provisions. This conviction highlights the sustained momentum in addressing crimes against women and children post the implementation of the updated Indian laws.
Director General of Police (DGP) Yogesh Bahadur Khurania commended the Sambalpur Superintendent of Police (SP) and the investigating teams for their diligent work. He expressed satisfaction over the increased conviction rates and faster resolutions since the new laws came into effect, noting that these outcomes send a strong message to potential offenders about the law’s unyielding stance.
“These verdicts reflect our commitment to swift and severe action against those who prey on the vulnerable,” DGP Khurania stated. “Odisha Police remains resolute in safeguarding women and children, and we will continue to prioritise such cases under ‘Operation Nyaysiddh’.”
The initiative’s success is seen as a deterrent, reinforcing public confidence in the justice system. With rising awareness and proactive policing, Odisha aims to create a safer environment for its youngest citizens.
