Man Gets 20 Years Jail for Sexually Assaulting Minor Under False Marriage Promise
A special POCSO court in Odisha sentenced a 32-year-old man to 20 years in prison for sexually assaulting a minor under the pretext of marriage.
A special court in Odisha has handed down a rigorous sentence to a 32-year-old man for the sexual assault of a minor girl. The accused had allegedly lured the victim into a relationship by promising marriage, only to abandon her after she became pregnant.
The Additional District and Sessions Judge, presiding over the Special POCSO Court in Baripada, Mayurbhanj district, found the man guilty of the heinous crime. In addition to the 20-year prison sentence, the court imposed a fine of Rs 30,000, noting that failure to pay would result in an additional three months of incarceration.
A Deceptive Relationship and Tragic Aftermath
According to the legal proceedings, the accused, a resident of a village under the Thakurmunda police station limits, established a relationship with the minor girl. He used the false promise of marriage to engage in physical relations with her. This deception led to the girl becoming pregnant.
The situation took a tragic turn in June 2021. When the victim went into labour, she was admitted to a hospital where she gave birth to a baby girl. However, the newborn passed away shortly after birth. When the victim's family reached out to the accused's relatives to address the situation, they were met with threats instead of accountability.
Police Investigation and Legal Proceedings
The victim's family filed a formal written complaint at the Thakurmunda police station on July 17, 2021. Following a thorough investigation, the police arrested the accused on August 29, 2022. The case was then brought before the special POCSO court.
During the trial, the prosecution relied on several key elements to secure the conviction:
- Medical Evidence: Detailed medical reports confirming the pregnancy and the physical circumstances.
- Documentary Proof: Various documents presented during the investigation.
- The POCSO Act: The legal framework specifically designed to protect children from sexual offences.
Special Public Prosecutor Ashwani Kumar Mohanta represented the government during the proceedings. The court emphasized the gravity of the offense, noting that the victim was a minor and was exploited through a fraudulent promise of marriage.
A Warning Against Exploitation
The judgment serves as a significant warning against the exploitation of vulnerable young girls through false marriage promises. The court highlighted the immense hardship faced by the victim, who endured sexual assault, pregnancy, childbirth, and the loss of her infant, alongside threats from the accused's family.
The 20-year sentence aims to punish the offender severely and act as a deterrent for similar crimes in the region. With the conviction finalized, the trial court has closed the matter, subject to any potential appeals.