The court has given a big verdict in the case of rape and murder of a minor registered in Paikmal police station area of Bargarh district of Odisha. The Additional District and Sessions Judge-cum-Special Court (POCSO Court) of Bargarh on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) convicted the accused Prashant Bagh in the case and sentenced him to death and life imprisonment. This case is being considered an important example of quick action and continuous monitoring of the police.
This incident happened last year on 15 November 2024. The accused had taken the victim out of the house on the pretext of fishing. Later the body of the minor was recovered in a naked state from the forest. The body had serious injury marks on its head and a belt was found tied around its neck. In the initial investigation itself, the case came to light as rape and murder.
Odisha Police took immediate action in the matter
Seeing the seriousness of the matter, Superintendent of Police (SP) of Bargarh district Prahlad Sahay Meena personally monitored the entire episode from the beginning of the investigation. Immediately after the FIR was registered, the progress of the investigation was reviewed daily and necessary directions were issued. The investigation was expedited by issuing a supervision note within just two days, due to which there was no delay in gathering evidence and the legal process.
Police had completed the investigation in just 20 days
During the investigation conducted by IIC Mamta Nayak of Padampur police station, special attention was paid to the statements of witnesses, evidence from the scene, arrest of the accused and forensic investigation. The forensic report received from SFSL, Bhubaneswar on December 3, 2024, gave a strong basis to the prosecution. The police completed the entire investigation from FIR to filing the charge sheet in just 20 days.
The trial of the case was conducted by Special Public Prosecutor Dyutish Acharya. During the hearing, testimony of 37 witnesses was recorded on behalf of the prosecution, 55 documents were presented in the court and 27 physical evidence was presented. Constant coordination was maintained between the prosecution and the police, so that all the evidence could be presented before the court in a lawful manner.
Court ordered to give Rs 15 lakh to the victim’s family
Finally, the POCSO court on Tuesday (January 6, 2026) convicted the accused under sections 140(1), 103(1), 65(2), 66 of BNS and section 6 of the POCSO Act. The court sentenced the accused to death and life imprisonment and also ordered a compensation of Rs 15 lakh to the victim’s family.
This case is being considered an example of speedy justice through timely investigation, strong prosecution and continuous police surveillance. This case is being seen as an important example in terms of effective policing and judicial process in sensitive crimes.
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