In a major success in the fight against crimes against children, Cuttack Police secured the conviction of an accused in a case of aggravated penetrative sexual assault under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Hon’ble Adhoc Additional District & Sessions Judge (Fast Track Special Court-I), Cuttack, convicted Hafiz Nur Artaj @ Akhatar, an Urdu teacher of Madrasa Sultania, Buxi Bazar, Cuttack, and sentenced him to 20 years’ Rigorous Imprisonment (RI) along with a fine of ₹10,000. In default of payment of the fine, the accused will undergo an additional one year of RI. The Court also directed payment of ₹4 lakh as victim compensation.
The case was registered at Cantonment Police Station as P.S. Case No. 206 dated 23 August 2025 under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, following a complaint lodged by the parent of a 12-year-old child. During the investigation, it was established that the accused had committed aggravated penetrative sexual assault on the minor while teaching Urdu between August and December 2024.
Following a comprehensive investigation, SI Motilal Marandi, the Investigating Officer, submitted the charge sheet on 21 October 2025 under Section 6 of the POCSO Act. The case was effectively prosecuted by Special Public Prosecutor Shri S.N. Das, leading to the conviction and sentencing of the accused on 23 June 2026.
