Sambalpur: In a significant verdict, the Special POCSO Court in Sambalpur has convicted Ashok Patel (40), a relative of the victim, in a child sexual abuse case in Jamanakira block. The accused has been sentenced to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment and fined ₹50,000. Additionally, the court, presided over by Judge Abhilash Senapati, directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Secretary to provide ₹10.50 lakh as financial compensation to the victim. This ruling brings justice to the minor victim after a five-year legal battle.
According to the case details, in May 2020, the incident occurred when the victim’s father was away for work, and her mother had gone to a nearby forest to collect firewood. Seizing the opportunity, Ashok Patel, the victim’s maternal uncle by relation, forcibly entered the house and sexually assaulted the minor girl while she was cooking. He fled when the victim’s mother returned approximately half an hour later. That evening, after the victim’s father returned home, the family lodged a complaint at the Jamanakira police station.
Following a thorough investigation, the police arrested the accused and filed a chargesheet. The court’s verdict was based on the recorded testimonies of 16 witnesses. The case was prosecuted by Special Public Prosecutor Santosh Panda on behalf of the government.
This judgment underscores the judiciary’s commitment to delivering justice in cases of child sexual abuse and ensuring substantial support for victims. The compensation and strict punishment aim to provide relief to the victim and serve as a deterrent to such heinous crimes.
