In a landmark ruling that underscores the judiciary’s zero-tolerance stance on crimes against children, the Odisha High Court has sentenced a convicted rapist to death for the brutal rape and murder of a minor girl. The horrific incident, which shocked the state two years ago, involved the accused luring the victim to a secluded spot before committing the heinous act.
The court, after meticulously reviewing the evidence including forensic reports, eyewitness testimonies, and the victim’s postmortem findings, found the prosecution’s case airtight. The defense’s attempts to cast doubt on the timeline and motive were thoroughly dismantled by the bench. ‘Such depraved acts demand the severest punishment to deter future offenders and deliver justice to the innocent,’ declared the presiding judge in a strongly worded verdict.
The case gained widespread attention due to its brutality. The minor, barely 12 years old, was reported missing from her village in Odisha’s coastal region. Her body was discovered the next day in a forested area, bearing signs of unimaginable violence. Local police swiftly arrested the prime suspect, a 28-year-old laborer from the same community, after villagers provided crucial leads.
During the trial, which spanned over 18 months, the prosecution presented damning digital evidence including CCTV footage placing the accused near the crime scene. DNA matches further sealed his fate. The victim’s family, devastated yet resolute, had demanded capital punishment from the outset, citing the irreversible trauma inflicted on their community.
This death sentence marks a significant moment in Odisha’s fight against child sexual abuse. Activists hail it as a deterrent, while legal experts note it aligns with Supreme Court guidelines on ‘rarest of rare’ cases. The convict has 30 days to appeal, but for now, justice appears served for the little girl whose life was cruelly cut short.