Jajpur: In a shocking incident that tarnishes the sanctity of the father-daughter relationship, a special POCSO court in Jajpur district has sentenced a man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for repeatedly raping his minor daughter.

The convict hails from the Sukinda police station jurisdiction in Jajpur district.

The Background of the case

According to the prosecution, the heinous crime dates back to 2024. The convict repeatedly subjected his 12-year-old  daughter to sexual exploitation under various pretexts. Unable to bear the abuse, the victim eventually reached out to the Sakhi One-Stop Centre for help.

Following her disclosure, officials from the Sakhi Centre filed a written complaint at the Sukinda Police Station. Based on the complaint, the police arrested the accused and forwarded him to court under Sections 4 and 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.

Court verdict and penalties

The Special POCSO Court delivered its final verdict after examining the testimonies of 25 witnesses and scrutinizing the corroborating evidence.

Pronouncing the judgment, Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special POCSO Judge Abhilash Senapati found the father guilty and handed down the following penalties:

Imprisonment: 20 years of jail time

Fine: A penalty of Rs 55,000. Failure to pay this fine will result in an additional 15 months of imprisonment.

Compensation: The court directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) to provide a compensation of Rs 10,50,000 to the minor victim for her rehabilitation.

The case was conducted on behalf of the state by Special Public Prosecutor Srinibas Sahoo.