Why Did Odisha Man Receive Death Penalty for Acid Attack on Wife?
Synopsis
A man in Odisha was sentenced to death for fatally attacking his wife with acid after she found out about his previous marriage. This shocking case raises questions about deception and domestic violence. What led to such a tragic outcome?
Key Takeaways
Chandan Kumar Rana received a death sentence for the acid attack on his wife.
The victim, Banita Singh , died from severe injuries.
Rana was already married and concealed this fact from Banita.
The incident highlights issues of domestic violence and deceit in relationships.
The court classified the crime as exceptionally rare.
Bhubaneswar, Feb 13 (NationPress) A court in the Balasore district of Odisha has condemned a man to death for the brutal murder of his second wife in an acid attack.
The perpetrator, named Chandan Kumar Rana, hails from Santaragadia village under the jurisdiction of the Nilgiri police station in Balasore district.
According to Special Public Prosecutor Sulalit Kar, Rana was already married prior to entering into a relationship with the victim, Banita Singh, who resided in Bhimpura village under the Sahadevkhunta police limits. He has two children from his first marriage but deceived Banita by not disclosing this fact.
Rana and Banita married in a temple located in Nuagaon, Balasore district, on December 19, 2022. Shortly after, Banita learned of Rana's prior marriage through various sources. Consequently, she filed an FIR at the Sahadevkhunta police station in January 2023, claiming that Rana had misled her about his marital status.
Following police mediation, both parties, accompanied by their families, agreed to end their relationship and return to their respective parental homes.
In the interim, Banita's family arranged her marriage with another man. On February 20, 2023, enraged by the news of her impending marriage, Rana confronted Banita at her home, brandishing a bottle of acid and threatening her against proceeding with the marriage. He subsequently attacked her with the acid, resulting in severe burns.
Banita's sister and her two children, who were present during the incident, also suffered substantial injuries from the attack. Local residents rushed them to the District Headquarters Hospital in Balasore. Due to her deteriorating condition, Banita was later transferred to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack, where she succumbed to her injuries on February 26, 2023.
The court convicted Rana based on Banita's dying declaration, witness statements, and other evidence, ultimately sentencing him to death and classifying the crime as exceptionally rare.
Point of View
The tragic circumstances surrounding this case underscore the urgent need for awareness and prevention of domestic violence. It is crucial that society addresses the underlying issues that lead to such heinous acts to protect vulnerable individuals.
NationPress
9 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the motive behind the acid attack?
The motive behind the acid attack was the husband's anger upon learning that his wife was planning to marry another man after discovering his previous marriage.
What was the court's ruling?
The court sentenced Chandan Kumar Rana to death, describing the crime as one of the rarest and most heinous.
What happened to the victim?
The victim, Banita Singh, suffered severe burn injuries and ultimately died from her wounds on February 26, 2023.
How did the victim learn about her husband's first marriage?
Banita learned about Rana's first marriage through various sources shortly after their wedding.
What action did Banita take after discovering the truth?
Banita filed a police report against Rana for deceiving her about his marital status.
