A local court in Nimapada has sentenced a man to five years of rigorous imprisonment (RI) for hurling acid at a woman who rejected his romantic and marriage proposals.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Suresh Chandra Pradhan convicted Babi alias Paramananda Sathua in connection with Balanga Police Station Case No. 108/2024 (Sessions Trial Case No. 71/2024).
According to the prosecution, the incident dates back to April 19, 2024, when a formal complaint was lodged by the victim’s mother at the Balanga police station. Investigations revealed that the accused forcibly entered the victim’s residence and advanced a proposal for love and marriage. When the woman firmly refused, a furious Sathua resorted to the horrific act of throwing acid on her, inflicting severe injuries.
Following a thorough investigation, the local police swiftly filed a chargesheet against the accused. During the trial, Additional Public Prosecutor Rashmirekha Kar, alongside assisting advocates Mahendra Kumar Sahu and Ajit Mahapatra, built a strong case. Investigating officer Shashmita Behera also played a pivotal role in securing the evidence.
The court sentenced Sathua to five years of rigorous imprisonment and a fine of Rs 5,000 under Section 326(B) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). Additionally, he received a two-year rigorous imprisonment sentence with a fine of Rs 1,000 under Section 450 for house trespass. The court noted that default in paying the respective fines would result in an additional two months and one month of imprisonment.
Puri Police lauded the exceptional coordination between the prosecution team and the Balanga police station’s Inspector-in-Charge (IIC) and staff. Officials highlighted that the regular and timely production of witnesses in court was instrumental in ensuring the speedy disposal of this sensitive case.
