The Additional District Judge‑cum‑Fast Track Court and POCSO Court in Bhadrak has sentenced Manoj Pradhan, son of Rajendra Pradhan of Bideipur village, to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 in connection with the abduction and rape of a minor girl.
Presiding Judge Minati Panda ruled that failure to pay the fine would result in an additional six months of imprisonment. The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide ₹5 lakh compensation to the survivor.
The case dates back to May 2, 2021, when the minor went missing after leaving home for Basudevpur. Her father lodged a complaint at Kasiah Marine Police Station on May 6, leading to registration of a case under IPC Section 365. During investigation, police rescued the girl from Bengaluru and arrested Manoj Pradhan.
Subsequently, charges were framed under IPC Sections 363, 366, 376 and Section 6 of the POCSO Act. After examining evidence and witness testimonies, the court found the accused guilty and delivered the sentence.
The prosecution was conducted by Special Public Prosecutor Tushar Jena, who represented the survivor and her family.
