Sambalpur: In a significant verdict, a district court in Sambalpur on Thursday sentenced seven persons to life imprisonment in connection with the sensational 2021 murder of Prakash Pradhan in Gulamal village under Katarbaga police limits.

District and Sessions Judge Pragyan Panigrahi delivered the judgment after examining testimonies of 23 witnesses and reviewing crucial documentary evidence. The court found seven accused—Rukman Pradhan (52), Bhojaraj Pradhan (55), Gajaraj Pradhan (50), Ashok Pradhan (52), Dushmanta Bhoi (50), Bhismjit Bhoi (50), and Bhismadev Pradhan (41)—guilty of the crime.

All convicts have been sentenced to life imprisonment under Section 302 of the IPC and fined ₹10,000 each. The court further directed failure to pay the fine would result in an additional two months of imprisonment.

However, another accused, Biranchi Biswal, was acquitted due to lack of evidence.

According to case details, the incident occurred on the night of September 16, 2021, around 8 pm in the Pradhanpali-Gulamal area. The deceased, Prakash Pradhan, along with his friend Ajay Barik, had gone to the market to purchase items for Vishwakarma Puja. While returning, they were allegedly ambushed by the accused, who carried out a premeditated attack using iron pipes, sharp weapons, and axes.

Prakash Pradhan died on the spot in the attack, while Dhananjaya Behera and Ajay Barik sustained grievous injuries.
Following the incident, the victim’s family lodged a complaint at Katarbaga police station. Police registered a case and launched an investigation, subsequently arresting the accused and filing a chargesheet.

After a prolonged trial, the court pronounced its verdict today.