In a significant ruling, Phulbani’s Additional District and Sessions Judge Pritish Kumar Rautray sentenced Pramod Kumar Sahu from Patabali Sahi to 12 years of rigorous imprisonment for a heinous acid attack in 2023. Additionally, a ₹50,000 fine was imposed, with an extra six months of imprisonment if the fine remains unpaid.
The brutal attack occurred on December 28, 2023, around 1:30 PM, targeting Suraj Kumar Mohanty and his father, Krushna Chandra Mohanty, near Sashi Paan shop in Phulbani Sahi. Pramod Sahu threw acid on Suraj, and when Krushna rushed to aid his son, he too was attacked with acid. Both victims suffered severe injuries and were rushed to Phulbani Hospital by locals, who apprehended Sahu and handed him over to the police.
The Town Police registered a case and arrested Sahu. During the trial, 17 witnesses, including eyewitnesses, provided testimony. Based on their statements and evidence, Judge Rautray convicted Sahu. The prosecution was led by government advocate Shib Prasad Tripathy.
