Man awarded lifer for raping minor daughter in Odisha

Cuttack: A man was awarded life imprisonment by a special court for raping his minor daughter in Odisha.

The ADJ-Cum-Special Court under POCSO Act in Cuttack convicted the accused person under sections 376(2)(M), 376(N) and 376(3) of IPC and section 6 of POCSO Act.

Judge Bandana Kar slapped the convict with Rs 20,000 fine along with sentencing him to life imprisonment in the case.

Besides, the court ordered to pay Rs 3 lakh as compensation to the rape victim. As per the court order, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) will take further initiative in this regard.

The accused person’s name, address and other information were separately attached to the verdict in a sealed envelope during judgment in the case yesterday to avoid the possibility of the identity of the victim being revealed.

According to reports, the 15-year-old victim was living with her family in a rented house in Cuttack city. On December 28, 2018, her mother had lodged a complaint with the Mahila Police alleging rape. Following investigation, the police had arrested the victim’s father and forwarded him to the court.

The medical examination revealed that the victim was pregnant. Later, she delivered a baby. The investigating officer took steps for the DNA test of the accused and the newborn. The DNA test report was submitted in the court. During the trial, 23 witnesses were testified in court. The key witnesses in the case did not give any statement at the time of testimony.

The prosecution requested that the information obtained from the DNA test report be taken to court. Based on the evidence, the court convicted the accused in the case. Special Public Prosecutor Ramesh Chandra Mohanty and Additional Public Prosecutor Bijay Kumar Mohanty were handling the case on behalf of the government.