District and Sessions Judge Satya Narayan Mishra on Friday convicted a couple in a rape and murder case of a 23-year-old girl in Nilgiri which took place six years back. They were identified as Kalandi Das (45) and his wife labanyamani Das (40), residents of Banapura under Nilgiri block. While Kalandi was found guilty of rape and murder, his wife was found guilty in the murder of victim Swarnalata Dalei . Kalandi and labanyamani were sentenced to life imprisonment.
Advocate Pranab Panda said the judgment was pronounced on the circumstantial evidences after examining 18 witnesses and 20 documents. On November 13, 2009, Kalandi, who was in one side love with the victim, raped her in a partially completed temple. The accused duo was in Baleswar jail since their arrest on December 8, 2009. During commission of offence by the accused, his wife arrived at the spot and both strangulated the victim to death.