In a landmark verdict, the Additional District Judge (ADJ) and Special POCSO Court in Phulbani, Kandhamal district, sentenced 26-year-old Ranjan Dehury to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the abduction and rape of a 15-year-old minor girl.
The ruling, delivered by Judge Manoranjan Das on Thursday, August 14, 2025, also imposed a fine of ₹55,000 on the accused, with an additional nine months of imprisonment in case of non-payment. The case stems、from an incident in the Khajuripada police station area, where the accused, a resident of Uparkhol village under Tikabali police station, allegedly abducted and sexually assaulted the minor. The victim’s family lodged a complaint on February 10, 2024, leading to a case (No. 16/24) being registered against the accused by the Khajuripada police.
After a thorough investigation and trial, the court found the evidence and testimonies compelling, resulting in the conviction. In addition to the imprisonment and fine, Judge Das directed that the victim be awarded ₹5 lakh as compensation to aid her recovery and rehabilitation. The prosecution was represented by advocate Asim Praharaj, who effectively argued the case on behalf of the state.
