Keonjar: A special Pocso court in Keonjhar on Saturday sentenced a 38-year-old coaching centre teacher to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment for raping a seven-year-old student. The court of additional district judge-cum-special judge (Pocso), Monalisa Mohanty, also imposed a fine of Rs 2,000 and directed payment of Rs 10 lakh as compensation to the survivor. In default of payment of the fine, he will have to undergo an additional year of rigorous imprisonment.According to special public prosecutor Sanjay Kumar Paikray, the offence took place in Aug 2025 when the accused sexually assaulted the child, who was enrolled at his coaching centre.After the incident came to light, a village meeting was convened where the accused was questioned. The family later lodged a written complaint with police, following which a case was registered and the accused was arrested.During the trial, the prosecution examined 15 witnesses. Based on their testimonies and investigation records submitted by the police, the court found the accused guilty.
