Post News Network
Dhenkanal, April 22: In an exemplary ruling, additional district sessions judge Asim Kumar Dalabehera disposed of a case of rape of a woman within two-and-half months and awarded 10-years rigorous imprisonment to the convict Wednesday. The judge also slapped a fine of Rs 20,000 on Jugal Behera.
The woman, who is deaf, is a resident of Bhanupada village under Balimi police limits. Behera is also a resident of the same village. The incident was treated as a ‘criminal red flag case’ by the Crime Branch.
According to reports, the victim had visited Galapada panchayat office October 15 last year to receive her disability allowance as her husband works in Mumbai. However she couldn’t meet the panchayat executive officer as he was out of the area for some work. When she was returning home alone in the evening, Behera forcibly took her to a nearby farmland and raped her. He even urinated in her mouth when the victim asked for water.
The woman sustained multiple injuries in the incident while Behera fled the spot after another youth of the village reached there when she raised an alarm. She had lodged a complaint with Balimi police and a case was registered. Police arrested Jugal and produced him in the court. The arguments of the case were heard within two-and-half-months since it was admitted in the court.
The convict would have to serve an additional jail term of one year if he fails to pay the fine, the judgement said.The judge also ordered to pay 50 per cent of the penalty amount to the victim.