Two convicts with death sentences acquitted in triple murder case in Odisha

In a major development, the Orissa High Court has acquitted two accused, Prakash Behera and Nanda Kishore Sethi, who were previously sentenced to death in a triple murder case, due to a lack of evidence.

The incident, which took place at Kishan Nagar area under Athmallik police station in Angul district, occurred on October 10, 2017. According to reports, three members of a family were brutally murdered by unidentified miscreants. The wife was killed at home, while the husband and their eight-year-old son were abducted and murdered 25 kilometers away from their residence.

Earlier, the Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) Court in Athmallik had awarded the death penalty to the two accused. However, the High Court overturned the verdict, citing insufficient evidence.

This verdict marks a significant turning point in the case that had drawn widespread attention across the state.

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"As many as three members of a family were murdered on October 10, 2017. Two of them were kidnapped and murdered 25 kilometers away from their residence. Investigating the incident, IO has prepared a chargesheet against Prakash Behera and Nanda Kishore Sethi. The ADJ Court in Court in Athmallik had pronounced capital punishment for the accused following a trial. Subsequently, the accused moved the High Court. The High Court acquitted both the accused today," said Satya Ranjan Mulia, the lawyer of the accused.

"Both the accused were acquitted by the High Court due to lack of evidence," he added.