Angul Youth Sentenced to 25 Years in Landmark Child Rape Conviction Under New Criminal Code
In a landmark judgment under India’s newly enacted Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a youth from Angul district, Odisha, has been sentenced to 25 years of rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting his 8-year-old niece.
The case, prosecuted under both the BNS and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, marks a significant milestone in the enforcement of child protection laws.
The incident came to light following a written complaint by the victim’s father, Sumanta Gochhayat, leading to the registration of Angul PS Case No. 724 on September 11, 2024.
Swift police action resulted in the filing of a charge sheet by November 8, 2024, invoking Sections 64(2)(f)(m)/65(2) of the BNS, Section 6 of the POCSO Act, and relevant provisions of the IT Act.
Authorities treated the case as a red-flag matter, appointing a Holding Investigating Officer and ensuring close monitoring by the District Police Office. On October 29, 2025, the court convicted Sudip alias Tenkaru Gochhayat and imposed a Rs 25,000 fine, with an additional year of imprisonment in case of default.
This conviction not only underscores the effectiveness of the new criminal code but also highlights the Angul Police’s commitment to justice and child protection.
The coordinated effort ensured procedural integrity and swift resolution, sending a strong message about accountability and the protection of vulnerable victims.
