Rayagada, May 27: The Additional District and Sessions Judge (ADJ) Court in Gunupur, Rayagada district, on Tuesday pronounced its verdict in the 2020 Padmapur Nuasahi wife murder case. The court sentenced Hrushikesh Sahu to life imprisonment with rigorous punishment for the murder of his wife, Sandhyarani Sahu.
Delivering the judgment, ADJ Debadatta Pattnayak also imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the convict. In case of default, Hrushikesh will serve an additional year of rigorous imprisonment.
Meanwhile, co-accused Trinath Sahu (brother), Bijayalaxmi Sahu (elder sister), and Namita Sahu (younger sister) were acquitted due to lack of substantial evidence. Their mother, Jadi Sahu, who was also named in the FIR, passed away during the course of the trial.
The case dates back to January 27, 2020, when Geeta Sahu lodged a complaint with the Padmapur police, alleging that her sister Sandhyarani was murdered by her husband using a sharp weapon. Acting on the complaint, police registered a case under IPC Sections 498(A), 302, 304(B), 34, and Section 4 of the Dowry Prohibition Act, naming five individuals.
Following the incident, Hrushikesh absconded while the other accused were arrested and produced in court. He was eventually apprehended on October 20, 2020. The charge sheet was filed on May 22, 2020, and charges were formally framed on January 9, 2023. The trial commenced on September 14, 2023.
A total of 18 witnesses were examined during the trial. Hrushikesh was granted interim bail but was later remanded to judicial custody after the bail period expired. The remaining accused remained out on regular bail throughout the proceedings.
After a detailed examination of evidence and witness depositions, the court found Hrushikesh guilty under IPC Section 302, while acquitting him of the remaining charges. The other accused were also cleared of all allegations.
