20-Year Jail Term for Ranchi Man in POCSO Abduction-Rape Case

In a firm message against crimes against minors, a Ranchi POCSO court has sentenced Umendra Ray to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment along with a Rs 35,000 fine for kidnapping and sexually assaulting a 15-year-old girl over multiple days. The verdict comes from the Doranda jurisdiction where the crime unfolded in August last year. Prosecutors established that the teenager was abducted while heading out for an evening snack. The accused had planned the abduction in advance and transported the victim to a rented house in Tupudana, keeping her confined and under constant threat. Evidence showed repeated sexual violence and intimidation whenever she tried to seek help. The trial moved quickly despite its sensitive nature. Conviction was recorded on 19 May, followed by detailed hearings on sentencing. The court stressed the need for stringent punishment in cases involving minors to deter such heinous acts. The convict, in custody since mid-August 2023, participated in the sentencing proceedings through video link from central jail, underscoring both security protocols and judicial efficiency in delivering justice.