Nayagarh: The Special Children Court in Nayagarh, Odisha, delivered justice in the highly publicized Pari murder case, sentencing the accused to 20 years of rigorous imprisonment. The accused, found guilty under various sections of the POCSO Act and IPC, was also fined Rs 6,000, with the provision of additional imprisonment in case of non-payment.
The trial, marked by exhaustive investigation and examination of evidence, culminated in the conviction of the accused despite the absence of eyewitnesses. The prosecution presented a compelling case, supported by scientific, electronic, and circumstantial evidence collected during the investigation.
A total of 31 individuals were examined during the trial, with 135 exhibits and 18 material objects submitted before the court. Based on the evidence presented, the Special Children Court pronounced the accused guilty, invoking stringent provisions under the POCSO Act and IPC, including sections 302, 376, 363, and 201.
The tragic incident unfolded in July 2020 when 5-year-old Pari, daughter of rickshaw-puller Ashok Sahu, was kidnapped while playing near her house in Nayagarh’s Jadupur village. Ten days later, her skeletal remains were discovered dumped in a gunny bag in the bushes behind her residence, sparking widespread outrage and demands for justice.
The case garnered significant attention after Pari’s parents attempted self-immolation in front of the state Assembly in Bhubaneswar, underscoring the urgency for a thorough investigation and swift resolution.
In response, a special investigation team (SIT) was formed by the state government to probe the kidnapping and murder. Led by Arun Bothra, the SIT meticulously collected evidence, leading to the arrest of the main accused, reportedly a juvenile at the time of the crime.
According to details revealed during the investigation, Pari had visited the house of the accused to collect berries. Alone in the house, the accused attempted to assault her, leading to her resistance and subsequent strangulation.
The chargesheet filed earlier included sections related to kidnapping, murder, and attempted rape, with the accused admitting to strangling Pari after a failed rape attempt.
While the accused’s lawyer hinted at a possible appeal against the ruling in the High Court, the verdict represents a significant milestone in the quest for justice for Pari and her grieving family.
The sentencing sends a strong message against crimes targeting children and underscores the importance of swift and effective legal recourse in addressing such heinous acts. As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragic incident, the verdict serves as a beacon of hope for accountability and closure in the pursuit of justice.
