The Berhampur Special POCSO Court has sentenced Laba Swain (30) to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a 6-year-old minor girl.
The case, which has captured significant attention since its occurrence, highlights the judiciary’s commitment to protecting children’s rights.
The honorable judge Pranati Patnaik pronounced the sentence and ordered a Rs 10,000 fine, with an additional six months of imprisonment for non-payment. The court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide a compensation of Rs 10.5 lakhs to the victim’s family for their trauma and suffering.
According to the case details, the incident took place on June 28, 2023, in Nimakhandi. The accused lured the minor victim under the pretext of showing her a mobile phone and committed the heinous crime. The family, after intense searching, located the child and later lodged a complaint on July 7, 2023. Police promptly arrested Laba Swain and his mother, Manu Swain (51). However, Manu Swain was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
Public Prosecutor Narayan Panda presented the case on behalf of the government, citing testimony from 12 witnesses. The verdict stands as a milestone in the fight against crimes targeting minors, reinforcing the need for justice and deterrence.
