In a strong message against crimes against children, the Special Court under the POCSO Act has sentenced a 30-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for the sexual assault of a six-year-old girl in Jharsuguda district.
Additional District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court Judge Puja Sarangi convicted Ajay Singh, son of Jayakrushna Singh and a resident of Pumphousepada, IB Thermal under Banharpali police station, under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
The horrifying incident occurred on June 22, 2025, and the court pronounced its verdict today in C.T. (Spl.) Case No.50 of 2025, arising out of Banharpali PS Case No.128. The swift timeline from crime to conviction highlights the commitment of local police and the judiciary to fast-track POCSO cases.
The court imposed a fine of Rs. 50,000 on the convict, with an additional one year of rigorous imprisonment in case of default. The entire fine amount will be given to the victim. No separate sentence was awarded under the BNS section in view of the POCSO provisions. The period Singh spent in custody as an undertrial will be set off against his sentence.
Taking serious note of the gravity of the crime and the lifelong mental trauma inflicted on the innocent child, the judge recommended Rs. 8 lakh compensation under the NALSA Victim Compensation Scheme.
This amount is to be deposited in an interest-bearing fixed deposit in a nationalised bank in the victim’s name until she attains majority, ensuring the funds are protected and used for her well-being. Any prior compensation received will be adjusted.
