Three convicted for murdering couple, their 2 daughters in Astaranga

Puri: The Court of Additional District & Session's Judge of Nimapada in Puri district convicted three persons today in connection with the sensational murder of a couple and their two daughters under Astaranga Police limits in September 2015. The Sessions Judge pronounced the verdict based on the evidences submitted by the Crime Branch.

According to sources, the court convicted Fakira Mallick, Himadri Sekhar Das alias Rahim Khan and his wife Ayesha Begum of conspiracy, murder and dacoity. The court will decide the quantum of punishment in its next hearing on February 8.

Radha Binod Panigrahi, SP, Crime Branch said “The trial ended today and the Sessions Judge convicted the three accused of murder. The sentence will be decided in the next hearing.”

“Fakira Mallick and Himadri Sekhar Das were acquaintances of Dinabandhu and they hatched the conspiracy to murder him,” said Sankar Prasad Mallick, nephew of Dinabandhu.

Notably, Dinabandhu Mallick, a retired district inspector of schools, his wife and two daughters were found dead with throat slit on September 21, 2015 night at their home in Dinadiyan Nagar village under Astaranga Police limits. The Crime Branch was handed over the investigation following a directive of Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik.