Jharsuguda: The Special Court under the POCSO Act in Odisha’s Jharsuguda on Saturday sentenced a 30-year-old man to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a six-year-old girl.
Additional District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court Judge
Puja Sarangi convicted Ajay Singh of Pumphousepada, IB Thermal under Banharpali police station in the district, under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and Section 65(2) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023. The offence took place on June 22, 2025.
The judge sentenced Singh to 20 years rigorous imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 50,000. In default of payment of fine, he will undergo an additional one year of rigorous imprisonment. The fine amount will be paid to the victim.
Considering the gravity of the crime and the mental trauma suffered by the minor victim, the court recommended compensation of Rs eight lakh to be awarded to her under the NALSA Victim Compensation Scheme. The amount is to be deposited in an interest-bearing fixed deposit in a nationalised bank in the victim’s name until she attains majority to prevent misuse. Any prior compensation received will be adjusted accordingly.