Baripada: A local court in Odisha’s Mayurbhanj district today sentenced a rape accused to 10-years rigorous imprisonment (RI) for raping a deaf and mute girl last year.

Pronouncing the quantum of punishment, Special Track Court Judge Amiya Ranjan Jena sentenced Debendra Marandi to 10 years in jail and imposed a fine of Rs 5, 000 failing which he will serve additional two months in prison.

He was convicted under section 376 (2) (L) of Indian Penal Code.

On March 31, 2016, the 25-year old tribal youth raped the deaf and dumb girl after forcibly taking her to a secluded place at Bhaluchakia village under Morada police limits in the tribal-dominated district.

The victim narrated her ordeal to the family members in sign language after the incident following which a case was registered at Morada police station.

Later, the youth was arrested.