Odisha: Two Sentenced to Life for Betel Shop Owner's Murder in Bhubaneswar
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Synopsis
A local court in Bhubaneswar has sentenced two auto-rickshaw drivers to life imprisonment for the murder of a betel shop owner, Soumya Ranjan Kunda, in 2022. They were found guilty after a thorough investigation and witness testimonies.
Key Takeaways
- Two auto-rickshaw drivers sentenced to life imprisonment.
- The victim was a betel shop owner named Soumya Ranjan Kunda.
- The murder was motivated by extortion attempts.
- Convicts fined Rs 10,000 each.
- Verdict delivered after examining 18 witness statements.
Bhubaneswar, Jan 21 (NationPress) A local court in Bhubaneswar has sentenced two individuals to life imprisonment for their involvement in the murder of a betel shop owner in 2022.
The court has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each of the convicts.
The accused have been identified as Ashok Das alias Kabu from Patharabandh Basti and Manoj Das alias Papuni from Dhirikuti Basti, both of whom worked as auto-rickshaw drivers.
The victim, Soumya Ranjan Kunda, operated a betel shop close to the Metro building at Vani Vihar Square, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Saheed Nagar police station.
Soumya's sibling, Sagar Kumar, owns a hotel in proximity to the betel shop.
According to Special Public Prosecutor Rashmi Ranjan Brahma, the convict auto-rickshaw drivers frequently parked at an auto stand near Vani Vihar Square and would demand money from local shop owners. A confrontation arose when Soumya declined to comply with their extortion attempts. The convicts had also clashed with Soumya's brother at his hotel days prior to the incident. Holding a grudge, they plotted to murder him.
On the night of August 30-31, 2022, the accused attacked Soumya with a sharp weapon near his shop. He was critically injured and transported to the Capital Hospital in a police vehicle.
Due to the worsening of his condition, doctors at the Capital Hospital referred him to AIIMS, Bhubaneswar, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Following a complaint by Soumya's brother, the Saheed Nagar police initiated an investigation, leading to the arrest of the accused from their hideout.
After reviewing the testimonies of 18 witnesses and other evidence, the judge delivered the verdict on Tuesday.
