Nabarangpur: In a significant verdict in the much-discussed Baunshbeda violence case, a court in Nabarangpur district today sentenced 19 persons to life imprisonment for their involvement in a triple murder and arson incident that took place in 2016.

Additional District and Sessions Judge Sunita Pattnaik of Umarkote pronounced the verdict in connection with two separate cases registered at Umarkote police station. Among those convicted is a former block president of the Biju Janata Dal (BJD), along with several others.

The incident dates back to July 16, 2016, in Baunshbeda village under Umarkote block. The violence stemmed from a land dispute after one Balaram Harijan cultivated crops on a piece of government land located in Telgaon.

Local tribal residents objected to the cultivation and reportedly planted saplings on the land with the help of Forest department officials. This led to tension when Balaram allegedly uprooted the saplings.

Subsequently, a group of local tribal residents went to Balaram’s house to question him. During the confrontation, Balaram allegedly attacked Gurubaru Bhatra with a knife, while another accused, Ganapati Harijan, allegedly slit the throat of Fagunu Bhatra, leading to his death on the spot. Gurubaru, who was critically injured, later succumbed to injuries at a hospital after giving a dying declaration.

Following the incident, hundreds of villagers reportedly gathered and surrounded Balaram’s house. The mob allegedly pelted stones and set the house on fire. As Balaram attempted to flee by jumping from the roof, he was caught by the crowd and beaten to death.

Police registered two separate cases in connection with the killings and the subsequent mob violence. After a prolonged trial, the court today found 19 individuals guilty.