Bhubaneswar:In a much awaited, sensational 2011 Pipili gang rape and murder case, a local court acquitted two brothers accused of Rape and Murder.The incident made National Headlines after which Powerful BJD Minister and Pipli Strongman Pradeep Maharathy had to resign from his Ministry after it was alleged he gave shelter to accused.
Ironically Maharathy was reinstated before this judgement came,presently he is handling Agriculture and Panchayati Raj Ministry
A 19-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly gang-raped at Arjungoda village under Pipli police limits of Puri district on November 29, 2011. After spending more than four months in coma, the victim died at SCB Medical College and Hospital on June 21, 2012. People had organised a state-wide stir at that time and alleged the involvement of political leaders.
After investigation, the Justice P. K. Mohanty Commission had given a report to the government on March 30, 2016. Amulya Champatiray, who was then posted as Inspector-in-Charge of the Pipili police station was also dismissed from his job.
Bhubaneswar Additional District Judge acquitted Prasant Pradhan and his brother Sukant Pradhan due to lack of evidence seven years after the sensational case which had triggered outrage and protests across the State.
The accused in this case, Pradhan, Guna Swain, Sukant and Premananda Nayak were booked under Sections 341, 307, 376 and 506 of the IPC and Section 3 of the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocity) Act.
Devastated mother of the victim said, “How will my daughter’s soul rest in peace now?” while talking to thefactnow
