In a dramatic conclusion to a seven-year-old murder case, the Additional District and Sessions Judge Sandeep Kumar Pattnaik sentenced Laxman Kharsela of Kumuda village to life imprisonment for the murder of Romanch Kharsela.
The incident, which occurred on June 3, 2017, stemmed from long-standing enmity between two families in Kumuda. The investigation revealed that on the evening of the crime, Romanch’s sister Champa was attacked by Laxman’s wife, mother, daughter, and niece. Later that night, Laxman and his accomplice, Rahul alias Dhaneswar Bag, allegedly ambushed Romanch—Laxman with a stone and Rahul with a stick—inflicting fatal injuries.
Romanch succumbed to his injuries on June 8, 2017, while undergoing treatment at Burla hospital. Rahul, who was granted bail previously, is currently absconding.
Additional Public Prosecutor Radhakanta Padhi built a strong case against Laxman, presenting 16 eyewitness testimonies, 71 documents, and nine physical exhibits, including the murder weapons. The court, considering the weight of evidence, handed down life imprisonment and imposed a fine of Rs 20,000. In case of non-payment, Laxman will serve an additional six months in prison.
