Berhampur: The additional district and sessions judge court in Paralakhemundi, Gajapati district, on Friday sentenced a 45-year-old man to seven years of rigorous imprisonment for killing his 35-year-old wife at their residence in Adagan under Garabandh police station limits over four years ago.
Details of the Sentencing
The judge, Bibhu Prasad Panda, also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the convict, Ganga Badamundi. If he fails to pay the fine, he will undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment. The verdict was pronounced after examining 15 witnesses, including family members of the deceased, Sajani Badamundi, said S K Rath, additional public prosecutor.
The Incident
The incident occurred on the night of December 29, 2021, when the accused slit his wife's neck with a sickle following a sudden provocation during a quarrel. She died on the spot. Her brother lodged a complaint at Garabandh police station on December 30, 2021. The accused was arrested the same day and has been in jail since, sources said.
Compensation and Leniency
The court has recommended that the district legal service authority (DLSA) pay a compensation of Rs 1 lakh to each of the three daughters of the deceased, including any interim compensation already allowed in their favor, said RK Mishra, public prosecutor. He noted that the court took a lenient view because the offense was committed under sudden provocation, resulting in a seven-year sentence. The convict has three daughters—one who is deaf and mute, and two minors—as well as a son.
