In a decisive move toward justice, the Additional District and Sessions Judge and Special POCSO Court in Kendrapara convicted a 58-year-old man for his role in the gangrape of a minor girl, sentencing him to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment.
Special POCSO Judge Pragnya Paramita Rout handed down the sentence to Gouranga Sethi, a resident of Sankrupa village under the Pattamundai rural police limits. In addition to the 25-year jail term, the court imposed a fine of ₹50,000. Failure to pay the penalty will result in an additional year of imprisonment. Recognizing the severe trauma endured by the young survivor, the court also directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide her with ₹10 lakh in compensation.
The harrowing incident occurred in 2023. According to the case details, the minor girl was returning home from Babar market when Sethi and his accomplices intercepted her. They dragged her into a house, gagged her, and took turns assaulting her. The perpetrators silenced the victim by threatening to murder her entire family if she disclosed the ordeal to anyone.
Out of extreme fear, the survivor kept the crime a secret. The incident only came to light six months later when the girl fell ill. A medical examination at a local hospital revealed that she was six months pregnant. Following this devastating discovery, her family filed a written complaint at the Pattamundai rural police station on September 9, 2023 (Case No. 481/23).
Special Public Prosecutor Nehur Kumar Sahoo represented the state during the proceedings. Relying on the testimonies of 17 witnesses and compelling material evidence, the court found Sethi guilty under Section 6 of the POCSO Act.
While Sethi has been brought to justice, the trial for two other co-accused in the case is still underway, with one suspect currently reported as absconding.
