Sambalpur: June 03: In a record 30 days, Odisha fast track court awarded life imprisonment to 5 accused for raping a 14-year old girl while a juvenile has been sent to a correction home. The court has also slapped a fine of Rs 50,000 each on the five accused.
On May 2, a 14-year old girl from Sasan town in the district was gang-raped by six people including a minor. Unable to bear the trauma, the girl later committed suicide by hanging herself when her family members were away at work.
The six accused are Afzal Raja, Tinu Sahu, Hadu Panchabihar, Ashirvad Behera, Abhilash Panchabihar and a minor of Sason Bazaaa here. They all were found guilty under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
The Sambalpur Police had filed the charge sheet within 15 days after filing the probe.
The case was heard by ADJ Santosh Panda who completed the hearing holding court for 14 hours at a stretch. The prosecution had 21 witnesses who were asked to be present on Saturday.
The locals and intellectuals said the quick verdict delivered within 30 days would boost public faith in the judicial system of the country.
On the other hand, defence counsel Pritiranjan Patnaik alleged the verdict was ‘one-sided’ and they would move the higher court.
