Baripada, Aug 7: In a landmark judgment, the Mayurbhanj District and Sessions Court sentenced three men to life imprisonment for the gang rape of a mentally challenged woman in 2018.

The convicts — Kanhu Marandi, Hrudananda Nayak, and Sole Hansda — all residents of Shialighati village under Badasahi police limits, were found guilty based on strong witness testimony and forensic evidence.

Presiding judge Sudipta Acharya also imposed a fine of ₹20,000 on each convict. In case of non-payment, they will serve an additional one year of imprisonment. The court directed the District Legal Services Authority to ensure compensation for the survivor.

The incident, which occurred in 2018, had sparked outrage across the region. The survivor, a mentally challenged woman, was assaulted by the trio in a remote part of the village. Following a complaint lodged by her family, Badasahi police arrested the accused and filed charges under relevant sections of the IPC and the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Government prosecutor Sasmita Mohapatra led the case, ensuring a thorough presentation of evidence and witness accounts. The court’s verdict is being hailed as a strong message against crimes targeting vulnerable individuals.

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