10-year-rigorous imprisonment for rape

The Assistant Session Judge, Phulbani, Santosh Kumar Mohapatra on Thursday sentenced a youth to 10 years rigorous imprisonment for raping a minor girl.

The accused Sukru Konhor of Malabhuin village under Khajuripada police limits had raped a 15-year-old girl of Premajhari village in September 2010 while she was returning home after purchasing some groceries. The accused had then promised to marry her.

When she became pregnant, her father and relatives along with ward members of Premjhari and Malbhuin village confronted the youth who admitted to have fathered the child. But he went back on his words at a meeting in the village.

The victim then reported the matter at Khajuripad police station, seven month after the incident. At least 16 witnesses deposed during the trial.

Sukru has also been fined Rs 5,000 and in case of a default he has to undergo another three months imprisonment.