Odisha Teen Sentenced to 20 Years RI for Sexual Offence Under POCSO Act
Kendrapara, August 8(OT Webdesk): In a landmark judgment underscoring Odisha’s commitment to child protection, a 19-year-old youth from Dhenkanal district has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act.
Ananda Nayak, a resident of Tenua village under Dhenkanal Sadar police limits, was convicted by the Additional District & Sessions Judge-cum-Special POCSO Court in Kendrapara.
The court found him guilty under Section 6 of the POCSO Act and multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including Sections 137(2), 87, and 64(2)(m)/65(1).
In addition to the prison term, the court imposed a Rs 50,000 fine, directing it be paid to the victim for rehabilitation.
Failure to comply will result in an additional year of RI. Concurrent fines totalling Rs 10,000 were also levied under BNS sections.
This verdict reflects the judiciary’s firm stance on crimes against minors and reinforces the importance of victim-centric justice in Odisha’s legal framework.
