In a powerful act of justice, the Additional District and Sessions Court here on Tuesday sentenced a 62-year-old man to death by hanging for the shocking murder of his 13-year-old niece in 2022.
Additional District and Sessions Judge (Adhoc) Rohit Lal Panda pronounced the capital punishment against Shuprin Digal after the court found him guilty on the basis of 13 pieces of evidence and witness testimonies. The verdict brings closure to a case that has horrified the region for over four years.
The horrific crime took place on April 25, 2022, in Goilundi Bidyanagar under Bhaidyanathpur Police Station limits. According to the prosecution, Digal — the victim’s maternal uncle — poured kerosene on the minor girl and set her ablaze, leading to her death in what was initially reported as a fire incident. The court accepted that the murder was driven by the accused’s lustful intentions towards the young girl.
What makes the case even more chilling is the background. Digal was already lodged in Phulbani Jail facing charges of murdering his own wife. He had secured parole for a few days and used the opportunity to visit his sister’s house in Brahmapur — where the brutal crime unfolded. Police acted swiftly after the incident, arrested him, and filed a chargesheet.
Special Public Prosecutor Dr Shiva Prasad Mishra said the prosecution had built a strong case with 13 witnesses and supporting evidence, which the court found sufficient to convict the accused and award the death penalty.
The judgment serves as a stern reminder that even those out on parole will face the full might of the law if they commit heinous crimes. For the family of the innocent 13-year-old victim, today’s verdict brings a measure of justice after years of pain and waiting.
