Seven years later, justice for Odia actress Nikita: Parents break down in tears of relief

In a major development in the much-discussed murder case of Odia actress Nikita (Lakmipriya Behera), the Third Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) Court in Cuttack on Thursday convicted her husband, Lipan Sahu, and sentenced him to life imprisonment. 

The court also imposed a fine of Rs 20,000 on the convict. Following the verdict, Nikita’s family expressed relief, stating that justice had finally been delivered. 

Her parents, who fought the battle for justice with their three-month-old grandchild beside them, were overwhelmed with emotion and broke down in tears. They said that although nothing could bring their daughter back, the court’s judgment has restored their faith in the justice system.

Parents Break Down In Tears

“We went through unimaginable pain, not only for one or two years, but for seven years. I still cannot process it. I’m mentally disturbed and cannot even come to terms with it. The child that she has left behind is my only reason for being alive today. The child was only three-months-old and a seven-month premature baby when our daughter was killed. We had to fight the court battle for justice, along with taking care of the baby. Today, he is seven years old. The accused was jobless and always wanted his wife’s money. This led to frequent fights between them. We did not get involved in that, because it was the man’s parents who should have instilled good senses to him,” a relieved mother of Nikita stated.

Also Read: ‘Odia actress Nikita was murdered’: Husband sentenced to life imprisonment

“We lost our only beloved daughter, and we were all heartbroken. And this case continued for years, leading everyone to be in tension. We are finally relieved after yesterday’s verdict,” Nikita’s father said.

Husband Pushes Her From Rooftop

The case dates back to January 4, 2019, when Nikita sustained critical injuries after falling from the rooftop of an apartment in the Mahanadi Vihar area of Cuttack. She was immediately rushed to a private hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries during treatment.

Initially reported as a fall, the incident took a dramatic turn after her family lodged a complaint alleging that Lipan Sahu had pushed her from the rooftop and murdered her. They further accused him of subjecting her to continuous dowry-related harassment.

After a prolonged trial and examination of evidence and witnesses, the court pronounced Lipan guilty, bringing closure to a case that had triggered widespread public attention across the state.

Nikita, also known as Laxmipriya Behera, was a popular face in the Odia entertainment industry. She had acted in films like Mita Basichi Mu Bhuta Sathire, Chori Chori, Mathare Dei Pata Odhani, and Gunda. 

She was widely recognised for her role in the television serial SCP Nikita, which made her a household name in Odisha. She had also impressed audiences with her performance in the serial Tapasya.