Port Blair: A harrowing fourteen-year battle for justice concluded on July 9, 2026, as the Special Court (POCSO) at Sri Vijaya Puram handed down a strict prison sentence to a stepfather convicted of raping his minor stepdaughter. Special Judge, Umesh Singh Sharma sentenced the convict, Paritosh Sarkar, a resident of R K Pur, Little Andaman, to 10 years of rigorous imprisonment under Section 376(1) of the IPC and an additional 2 years under Section 506 of the IPC.
The case dates back to November 2012, when a complaint was filed at the Hutbay Police Station, leading to an extensive investigation by then-SI Aditya Narayan. Although the trial court initially convicted Sarkar, the case saw a lengthy legal journey as the convict appealed the ruling. The conviction was ultimately upheld by the Calcutta High Court’s Circuit Bench at Port Blair, which subsequently remanded the matter back to the trial court for final sentencing.
Prioritizing the survivor’s long-term recovery, the court ordered substantial financial restitution to aid her rehabilitation, education, and future welfare. Sarkar was ordered to pay a total fine of ₹60,000, which will be directed entirely to the victim upon deposit. Furthermore, the court mandated an additional compensation payout of ₹6,00,000 under the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) 2018 compensation scheme for women survivors of sexual assault.
The successful prosecution was closely monitored and presented on behalf of the State by Special Public Prosecutor A.S. Zinu. Legal experts note that the landmark judgment strongly underscores the criminal justice system’s unwavering commitment to protecting children and ensuring that perpetrators of heinous crimes face the full severity of the law.
