A court in Odisha Jajpur district has handed down life imprisonment sentences to 17 individuals for the heinous act of burning a couple alive three years ago. The disturbing incident occurred in Nimapali village, Kalinga Nagar area, on July 7, 2020. The victims, identified as Shaila Balmuj and Sambari Balmuj, fell prey to a violent attack by villagers who suspected them of practicing sorcery.

The Jajpur Road Additional District and Sessions Judge, Hrusikesh Acharya, delivered the verdict after a thorough examination of 20 witnesses and various pieces of evidence. The accused were not only convicted but were also fined ₹10,000 each as part of the legal consequences for their actions.

Tragically, the assailants forcefully entered the couple’s residence during the late hours of that fateful day, subjecting them to a brutal assault fueled by baseless suspicions of sorcery. The violence escalated, culminating in the horrifying act of setting the couple’s house ablaze. The resultant fire claimed the lives of the innocent victims, leaving the community in shock and mourning.

Court Decision

This verdict serves as a stern warning against resorting to violence based on unfounded beliefs and underscores the legal consequences for such acts. The court’s decision reflects a commitment to justice and a firm stance against vigilante actions rooted in superstition.

The public prosecutor in the case, Rajat Kumar Rout, highlighted the exhaustive legal process, emphasizing the examination of witnesses and evidentiary materials. Such meticulous scrutiny reinforces the integrity of the judicial system and ensures that justice is served.

This tragic incident sheds light on the persistence of superstitions and the need for community education to dispel baseless beliefs that can lead to grave consequences. As the legal proceedings conclude, it is hoped that this verdict will act as a deterrent, discouraging acts of violence driven by irrational suspicions.

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