Sundargarh: After convicting a man for raping a minor girl in 2023, the Sundargarh POCSO Court sentenced him to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment. The convict, Tarun Gauda, a resident under Hemagir police limits, was also fined ₹10,000. In case of non-payment, he will have to serve an additional year in prison.

The POCSO Court also directed the District Legal Services Authority to provide ₹7 lakh ex-gratia to the victim.
On January 5, 2023, when the minor had gone to the field near her village to attend the nature’s call, Tarun picked her up forcibly. He then assaulted the minor sexually. Tarun also issued threatening to the minor of dire consequences, if tells anyone about the incident.

Tarun continued to blackmail the minor by telling that he will made her sexual assault video viral on social media.

Subsequently, Tarun uploaded the video on Facebook in March 15, 2023. Finding no other options, the minor registered a complaint at the Hemagir police station on March 19, 2023. 

The police registered a case under Section 376(1), 506 under Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act and IT Act, and arrested Tarun.

The POCSO Court convicted Tarun after examining the statements of witnesses and the findings of the police.