The Orissa High Court on January 15 commuted the death sentences of nine individuals convicted for the 2016 murder of three family members accused of witchcraft. The Division Bench of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Justice Radha Krishna Pattanaik reduced the punishment to life imprisonment, citing the possibility of reformation.
Case Background
The case involved the brutal killing of three members of the Sabar family in Rayagada. The accused suspected the victims of practicing sorcery, blaming them for illnesses in the village. After torturing the victims, the accused assaulted them with lathis and buried their bodies.
A Division Bench comprising Justices Sangam Kumar Sahoo and Radha Krishna Pattanaik delivered the verdict. The witness of the attack lodged an FIR. The police charged the accused under multiple sections of the IPC and the Odisha Prevention of Witch Hunting Act, 2013.
Trial And Conviction
The trial court convicted the accused based on eyewitness testimony and circumstantial evidence. It deemed the crime as “rarest of rare” and imposed the death penalty.
High Court’s Observations
The High Court ruled that the trial court failed to consider mitigating circumstances before awarding the death penalty. Reports from prison authorities showed the accused had good behavior and potential for reformation.
The court clarified that life imprisonment would extend until the end of their natural lives without the possibility of remission.
Compensation Awarded
The court directed compensation of ₹30,00,000 to the victims’ family under the Odisha Victim Compensation Scheme.
