Death Penalty Awarded in Heinous Balasore Acid Attack Case
A special court in Odisha's Balasore district has delivered a landmark verdict, sentencing prime accused Chandan Rana to death for a brutal acid attack that resulted in the murder of his second wife and left three of her family members with critical burn injuries. The tragic incident occurred three years ago in the Sahadevkhunta area, with the court's ruling coming on Friday after extensive legal proceedings.
Details of the Horrific Crime
According to detailed case records, the attack unfolded on February 20, 2023, when Rana, a 35-year-old resident of Nayapatana village, forcibly entered the Bhimpura home of his father-in-law, Kartik Singh. In a premeditated act of violence, he hurled concentrated acid at four family members: his second wife Banita (25), her elder sister Barsha (27), Barsha's five-year-old daughter Mamali, and four-year-old son Biswajit.
All victims sustained severe and life-threatening burn injuries in the assault. Banita, who suffered approximately 80% burns across her body, was immediately rushed to SCB Medical College and Hospital in Cuttack for emergency treatment. Despite intensive medical care, she tragically succumbed to her injuries on February 26, 2023, just six days after the attack.
Background and Motive
Investigations revealed that Rana and Banita, both originally from Sahadevkhunta, had been in a relationship that culminated in marriage. However, Banita later discovered that Rana was already married with two children from his first marriage. This revelation prompted her to leave their marital home and return to her parents' residence in Bhimpura.
On the fateful day of the attack, Rana allegedly arrived at the Bhimpura house, initiated a heated argument, and then suddenly threw the corrosive acid at Banita in what prosecutors described as an act of extreme vengeance. The attack was characterized by the court as particularly heinous due to its premeditated nature and the use of a substance causing excruciating pain and permanent disfigurement.
Investigation and Arrest
Following the attack, Rana fled Odisha in an attempt to evade capture. A massive manhunt ensued, with special police teams conducting coordinated searches across multiple states including West Bengal, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu. The breakthrough came on March 10, 2023, when authorities successfully apprehended Rana in Kolkata.
During the investigation, seven individuals were arrested in connection with the case, including Rana's first wife and others accused of assisting his escape. However, six co-accused were ultimately acquitted by the court due to insufficient evidence linking them directly to the crime.
Court Proceedings and Verdict
Special Public Prosecutor Sanjay Kumar Mohanty presented a compelling case before Special Judge (SC/ST Court) Abdul Samim Akhtar. The prosecution built their argument on substantial evidence, including:
- Testimonies from 34 witnesses
- 110 documentary exhibits
- 33 material objects recovered during investigation
Judge Akhtar described the crime as "heinous and brutal" in his ruling, convicting Rana under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code for murder. In addition to the death penalty, the court imposed a fine of ₹50,000 on the convict and sentenced him to additional rigorous imprisonment under Sections 326A (causing grievous hurt by use of acid), 452 (house-trespass after preparation for hurt), and 417 (cheating) of the IPC.
"If he defaults on the fine payment, the convict will undergo an additional year of rigorous imprisonment," clarified Prosecutor Mohanty regarding the supplementary penalties.
Legal Significance
This verdict represents a significant development in the judicial handling of acid attack cases in India, particularly those involving domestic violence and gender-based crimes. The court's decision to impose the death penalty underscores the gravity with which such premeditated acts of violence using corrosive substances are viewed within the legal system.
The case has drawn attention to the ongoing challenges in preventing acid attacks and ensuring justice for victims, while also highlighting the investigative efforts required to apprehend perpetrators who attempt to flee across state boundaries.
