Cuttack, Jul 1: In two separate but significant rulings, Odisha courts have delivered contrasting judgments in cases involving the abduction and rape of minor girls, highlighting the complexities of sexual offence trials.

In Cuttack, the Orissa High Court overturned a lower court’s conviction in a case from Jajpur district, where a youth had earlier been sentenced to 20 years in prison for allegedly abducting and raping a minor.

The Adhoc Additional Sessions Judge in Jajpur had pronounced the sentence on February 11, 2025. However, during the High Court hearings, it was revealed that the victim had retracted her earlier statement, weakening the prosecution’s case.

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The High Court, citing insufficient evidence and contradictions in testimony, set aside the conviction. Importantly, the court directed that if compensation had already been paid to the victim, it must be refunded. If the victim fails to return the amount, authorities have been instructed to recover it.

Justice Served!

Meanwhile, in Puri district, a Fast‑Track Special Court sentenced Bibhuti Bhushan Puri of Basantamal village to 20 years in prison for abducting and raping a 16‑year‑old girl after luring her with a promise of marriage.

The incident occurred on October 20, 2020, when the victim was taken from her village to Bhubaneswar and later to Nashik in Maharashtra, where she was confined and assaulted.

Police rescued the girl and arrested the accused, filing the final chargesheet in February 2021. After examining evidence and the statements of 22 witnesses, the court found Bibhuti guilty.

He was sentenced to 20 years in jail along with a fine of ₹10,000. In case of default, he would serve an additional month in prison.

The court also directed the government to provide ₹5 lakh compensation to the victim.

Two other accused arrested in connection with the case were acquitted due to lack of evidence. Special Public Prosecutor Madhusudan Das represented the victim during the trial.

Conclusion

While one conviction was upheld with a stiff sentence and compensation order, another was overturned due to lack of proof, reinforcing the principle that justice must rest on solid evidence.