Cuttack: The Orissa High Court on Wednesday dismissed a petition from Dara Singh alias Rabindra Pal Singh, the prime accused in the murder of Catholic priest Father Arul Doss in 1999.
Besides, the Court has asked three of the other accused – Rajkishore Mahanta, Jadunath Mahanta and Cheema Ho – who are out on bail have been directed to appear and surrender before the lower court by September 23.
In 2007, Dara along with his three aides had been sentenced to life imprisonment by Mayurbhanj District and Sessions court for killing the catholic priest in the year 1999.
On September 1, 1999, Dara along with 20 other associates had raided the Catholic Church at Jamabani village and set it ablaze. Father Arul Doss, the pastor, was attacked with bows and arrows, who later succumbed to his injuries.
The incident took place when Dara had already been sentenced to life imprisonment by the Orissa High Court for burning alive Australian missionary Graham Stewart Staines and his two sons in January the same year.
On August 26, 1999, Dara Singh had attacked the Rahaman with an axe as latter refused to pay ‘Chanda’ (subscription). The victim was later burnt alive in his garment shop after Singh and his accomplices had looted the shop.