Odisha Fast-Track Court Sentences Four to 20 Years’ Rigorous Imprisonment in Gangrape Case

Angul, July 24: A fast-track special court in Odisha’s Angul district on Friday sentenced four men to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment in connection with the sexual assault of a 21-year-old woman and a minor girl in 2024.

The Additional District and Sessions Judge of the Fast-Track Special Court convicted the four accused under relevant provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and other applicable criminal laws.

The court also imposed fines on the four convicts under different provisions, according to police.

Incident Dates Back to August 2024

According to case records, the incident took place on August 6, 2024, in Angul district.

Police said a 21-year-old woman and a minor girl were allegedly forced to consume alcohol before being sexually assaulted by a group of men.

Following a complaint, police registered a case and arrested four accused — Jitu Sahu, Hrudaya Chandra Pradhan, Asit Kumar Sahu and Deepu alias Dibyaranjan Amanta.

Chargesheet Filed Within 59 Days

Investigators completed the probe and submitted the chargesheet within 59 days of registration of the case, police said.

The prosecution relied on scientific evidence, statements of witnesses and other corroborative material gathered during the investigation.

After examining the evidence and hearing the prosecution and defence, the Fast-Track Special Court found all four accused guilty and sentenced them to 20 years’ rigorous imprisonment.

Police Cite Evidence-Based Investigation

Odisha Police said the conviction underlined the importance of scientific and evidence-based investigation, particularly in crimes against women and children.

Police also stressed a victim-centric approach to investigation and prosecution as crucial to ensuring cases involving sexual offences are taken to their legal conclusion without avoidable delays.

The identities of the survivors have not been disclosed in accordance with legal provisions protecting victims of sexual offences, particularly minors.