BHUBANESWAR:
Trial
into the alleged molestation of a Swedish national in Bhubaneswar, ended in just three weeks with a court sentencing Kundan Mahapatra to 18 months imprisonment on Monday. This is the fastest ever trial in Odisha where an accused was brought to justice within 28 days of occurrence of the crime, said commissionerate police.
On Feb 19, Mahapatra (24), a priest at Lingaraj temple, had molested a 28-year-old Swedish tourist outside the temple.
She had hired him as her guide, police said. The next day he was arrested. Police submitted
chargesheet
against him in court of judicial magistrate first class-1 within 72 hours. The trial began four days later.
“We accorded top priority to the sensitive case and completed the investigation quickly. Prosecution lawyer substantiated the charges in court, leading to the
conviction
,” said commissioner of police Sanjeeb Panda.
DCP Prateek Singh said the
speedy trial
will serve as a deterrent for criminals and instil confidence in tourists.
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