In a significant verdict that brings closure to a decade-long legal battle, a Jajpur court has sentenced two men to life imprisonment for a brutal acid attack on a 14-year-old girl in 2014. The court delivered justice for the horrific crime that left the minor with life-altering injuries.
The Brutal Attack and Its Motive
Additional District and Sessions Judge Bisweswar Biswaprakash Ray pronounced the judgment on Saturday, convicting 39-year-old Somyaranjan Samal and 37-year-old Prasant Ray for their roles in the acid attack. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh on each convict, with a warning that failure to pay would result in an additional two-year imprisonment.
The horrific incident dates back to June 8, 2014, when the young victim stepped out of her house to answer nature's call. According to the prosecution's case, the convicts ambushed her and threw acid, causing severe burn injuries to her face, hands, legs, abdomen, and private parts.
The attack stemmed from a previous incident where Samal was caught using the girl's bathroom. Following this, the victim's mother had publicly confronted and abused Samal. Seeking revenge for this public humiliation, Samal conspired with Ray to carry out the acid attack on the innocent girl.
Legal Proceedings and Witness Testimonies
The trial saw compelling evidence presented before the court. The victim herself, along with 11 other witnesses, deposed before the court, providing crucial testimony that helped establish the case against the accused.
Additional Public Prosecutor Biplab Kumar Muduli stated that the court relied on witness statements and 32 documents, including medical and forensic reports, to reach its verdict. The comprehensive evidence left no room for doubt about the convicts' involvement in the premeditated attack.
Legal Charges and Conviction
The court convicted the men under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code, reflecting the gravity of their crimes. The charges included:
Section 307 for attempt to murder, Section 326A for voluntarily causing grievous hurt by use of acid, Section 354C for voyeurism, and Section 34 for acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention.
The invocation of Section 326A of IPC is particularly significant as this provision was specifically introduced to deal with acid attacks and carries stringent punishment. The court's decision to apply this section demonstrates the seriousness with which such crimes are now being treated in the Indian judicial system.
This verdict sends a strong message about the consequences of acid violence and represents a step forward in the fight for justice for survivors of such brutal attacks. The life imprisonment sentence acknowledges the permanent physical and psychological trauma inflicted upon the young survivor.
