Life Imprisonment for Nine in Mahanga Double Murder Case; One Acquitted
29 Aug 2024 5:27 AM GMT
Kulamani Natal and Dibyasinga Baral
Bhubaneswar: In a significant development in the Mahanga double murder case, the Salepur Additional District Judge (ADJ) Court on Wednesday sentenced nine individuals to life imprisonment. However, one of the accused, Arabinda Khuntia, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.
The case revolves around the brutal killing of BJP leader Kulamani Baral, who was the block chairman of Mahanga, and his associate Dibyasingha Baral. The two were attacked and murdered by unidentified assailants on January 2, 2021, while returning home on a motorbike. The case took another dramatic turn when the prime accused, Prafulla Biswal, was found dead under mysterious circumstances.
The double murder sparked a political controversy, with the BJP alleging the involvement of former BJD Minister Pratap Jena. The family of the deceased also claimed that the murders were ordered by Jena.
Initially, the family's FIR listed 13 individuals as suspects. Subsequently, the police arrested 10 of them, and Jena's name was later added to the case, which remains sub-judice in the Orissa High Court.
"The honourable court has convicted nine individuals, sentencing them to life imprisonment, while one accused has been acquitted due to a lack of evidence. We are grateful for the court's verdict in this high-profile case," said Abinash Padhy, the associate government lawyer.
Syed Abdul Hafiz, representing the opposition, expressed his intention to appeal the verdict. "Of the 10 accused, nine have been convicted, but we will certainly move to the High Court against the verdict," he stated.
Expressing relief, Arabinda Khuntia, who was acquitted, remarked, "I am very happy with the verdict. We were wrongfully accused in this politically charged case. Ultimately, justice has prevailed."
The case revolves around the brutal killing of BJP leader Kulamani Baral, who was the block chairman of Mahanga, and his associate Dibyasingha Baral. The two were attacked and murdered by unidentified assailants on January 2, 2021, while returning home on a motorbike. The case took another dramatic turn when the prime accused, Prafulla Biswal, was found dead under mysterious circumstances.
The double murder sparked a political controversy, with the BJP alleging the involvement of former BJD Minister Pratap Jena. The family of the deceased also claimed that the murders were ordered by Jena.
Initially, the family's FIR listed 13 individuals as suspects. Subsequently, the police arrested 10 of them, and Jena's name was later added to the case, which remains sub-judice in the Orissa High Court.
"The honourable court has convicted nine individuals, sentencing them to life imprisonment, while one accused has been acquitted due to a lack of evidence. We are grateful for the court's verdict in this high-profile case," said Abinash Padhy, the associate government lawyer.
Syed Abdul Hafiz, representing the opposition, expressed his intention to appeal the verdict. "Of the 10 accused, nine have been convicted, but we will certainly move to the High Court against the verdict," he stated.
Expressing relief, Arabinda Khuntia, who was acquitted, remarked, "I am very happy with the verdict. We were wrongfully accused in this politically charged case. Ultimately, justice has prevailed."
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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