Rape trial completed in 4 days, accused sentenced to 10 years RI

Bhubaneswar, Sep 23 (UNI) A 56-year-old man, accused of raping a minor girl, was convicted and sentenced to ten years' rigorous imprisonment by a local court here today in a record four-day trial.

Additional Sessions Judge Santunu Das, who heard the case for four days from September 18, held the accused guilty and awarded imprisonment with a fine of Rs 2000.

In default of the fine, the accused would have to serve another three months' rigorous imprisonment, the court ruled.

It took almost 20 days, from the occurrence of the crime to the hearing and final judgment--being considered the fastest ever judgment in the state.

According to the prosecution, Niranjan Pradhan, a rag picker, had picked up a 7-year-old girl from his slum, located on the outskirt of the capital city on the night of September 3, and raped her.

He was caught by the police the next day and chargesheeted on September 8. The trial commenced on September 18 and continued till September 20 with the deposition of as many as twelve witnesses.

UNI DP PL PK BD1957