Three Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for 2023 Murder in Rayagada

Life Sentences Handed Down in Rayagada Murder Case

In Rayagada, a local court has sentenced three individuals to life imprisonment following their conviction in a murder case from 2023. The Additional District and Sessions Judge, Alpana Swain, found Ashok Goud, Bhagirathi Goud, and Bikram Goud guilty under Sections 302/34 of the Indian Penal Code and relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Each convict has also been fined Rs 5,000, with an additional six-month rigorous imprisonment term imposed for failure to pay the fine.

The incident occurred on June 9, 2023, when Gajendra Naik from Kashnadora village visited his farmland to supervise ground leveling work. During this time, he was confronted by the three accused, who demanded to see the land boundaries.

The confrontation escalated, leading to an attack with axes that resulted in severe injuries to Naik. Despite immediate medical attention at the Kashipur Community Health Centre, he succumbed to his injuries.

Following a complaint from Naik's son, Mihir Kumar Naik, the police initiated an investigation, apprehending the three suspects on June 12, 2023, and recovering the axes used in the assault.