BASAR, AUG 22:
The Special Judge (POCSO)-cum-Additional District & Sessions Court Basar in Leparada district has convicted Deepak Debnath, 24, and sentenced him to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping and repeatedly sexually assaulting a minor girl.
The judgment was pronounced on August 21 by Basar Special Judge (POCSO) Jaweplu Chai in POCSO Case No. 02/2024, arising from Daporijo Police Station Case No. 22/2024. Debnath was convicted under Section 363 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012.
According to the case records, Debnath, who was working as a cook at a restaurant in Daporijo, kidnapped a 13-year-and-eight-month-old girl from New Market Daporijo on March 19, 2024. He subsequently took her to Dumporijo and confined her at different locations, including a local hotel and rented accommodation at Fishery Colony, where she was repeatedly sexually assaulted.
The incident came to light after the victim’s mother lodged an FIR at Daporijo Police Station on March 25, 2024. A police team led by Sub-Inspector T Kaye traced and rescued the minor and apprehended the accused.
After examining the evidence presented during the trial, the Special Court found the prosecution had established the offences and held Debnath guilty.
For the offence under Section 363 IPC, the Court awarded five years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 3,000, with an additional six months’ imprisonment in default of payment. For the offence under Section 6 of the POCSO Act, he was sentenced to 20 years’ imprisonment and a fine of Rs 20,000, with an additional one year’s imprisonment in default. Both sentences will run concurrently.
The Court also directed that the fine amount, upon realisation, be disbursed directly to the minor victim for her rehabilitation in accordance with Section 6(2) of the POCSO Act. The period already spent in detention during investigation and trial will be set off against the sentence as per law.
Special Public Prosecutor (POCSO) Karken Angu represented the State during the proceedings.
The convict was informed of his right to appeal before the higher court and his entitlement to legal aid for pursuing such proceedings.
The judgment underscores the stringent legal consequences for offences against children and highlights the importance of timely reporting, effective investigation and coordinated law-enforcement action in ensuring justice and protection for vulnerable children.
