Nayagarh, (Reporterspen), April 27: In Nayagarh district, a court on Friday handed down a death sentence to Niranjan Mallik of Kushadhipa village for the murder of two individuals, including an elderly woman, in the Odagaon area in 2019.
Niranjan, identified as the convict, had a history of alcohol and substance abuse, often engaging in violent behavior towards women in his village and neighboring areas, as reported by an official.
“On January 17, 2019, Niranjan killed night watchman Lochan Sethi, who was on duty at the Odagaon vegetable market, and 70-year-old woman Badani Pradhan inside her house. Three others, including Pradhan’s daughter, sustained severe injuries in the attack,” stated Indubhushan Mishra, Additional Public Prosecutor of Odagaon.
Mishra added that following a thorough examination of statements from 27 witnesses and other evidence, the court pronounced the death penalty, finding Niranjan guilty. Additionally, the convict was ordered by the court to pay a fine of Rs 50,000.
Furthermore, the court directed the officials of Nayagarh District Legal Services Authority to provide financial compensation of Rs 5 lakh each to the families of the deceased individuals.
