Supreme Court orders Odisha govt to respond in Mahanga double murder case

Bhubaneswar, Jan 25: The Supreme Court on Saturday ordered the Odisha government to respond within four weeks to a petition related to the Mahanga double murder case, posing a setback for BJD leader Pratap Jena.

Ranjit Baral, son of one of the victims, Kulamani Baral, approached the Supreme Court seeking justice after the Orissa High Court had exonerated the BJD leader in October last year. The High Court had overturned a Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Salepur, order that had taken cognizance of charges against Jena in the case.

The Supreme Court directed all involved parties to file counter affidavits and submit witness statements recorded by the relevant session judge and district magistrate. The bench emphasized the need for a thorough and timely response from the Odisha administration.

Senior advocate Aman Lekhi represented petitioner Ranjit Baral, while senior advocate Siddharth Agarwal appeared on behalf of Pratap Jena.

The case stems from the brutal murder of BJP leader and former Mahanga block chairman, Kulamani Baral, and his associate, Dibyasingha Baral, on January 2, 2021. The two were attacked while returning home on a motorcycle. Kulamani succumbed to his injuries at Mahanga CHC, while Dibyasingha died at SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack.

Following the incident, a complaint was lodged by Kulamani’s son, Ramakant Baral. After his demise, the case was pursued by his grandson, Ranjit. On August 28 last year, the Additional Sessions Judge, Salepur, convicted nine individuals, sentencing them to life imprisonment. One accused, Arabinda Khatua, was acquitted due to insufficient evidence.