Berhampur: In a major blow to dreaded Maoist leader Sabyasachi Panda, the Additional District and Sessions Judge Court-1 here sentenced him to life imprisonment today in connection with a case in 2014.

Highly placed sources said Berhampur ADJ-1 Sanjay Sahu awarded life imprisonment to the Maoist leader under Section-121 (Waging War Against the State) of Indian Penal Code (IPC). Pronouncing the judgement, the court also imposed a penalty of Rs 10,000 on Panda.

On July 17, 2014, police had arrested Panda from Badabazar area here and seized several firearms, cash and gold from his possession.

Public Prosecutor Gyanendra Jena said several cases under Sections 121,121 (A), 126 and other relevant sections of the Arms Act were lodged against Panda at various police stations, including in Ganjam, Phulbani and Rayagada. While he has been acquitted in 52 cases so far, the ADJ-1 today awarded him life imprisonment under Section-121 of the IPC.

Panda's counsel Deepak Patnaik said police had slapped several false cases against his client following his arrest in 2014. "Panda has already been acquitted in 52 out of around 135 cases. We will move to higher court to challenge the court's judgement today," he added.