Two persons of Sundargarh, accused of killing their wives, were sentenced to life imprisonment by two courts of Sundargarh on Monday.
According to sources, Mahendra Bhoi, a native of Kulada village under Hemagiri police station, on May 31, 2012 morning, had told his wife Basanti to go to nearby forest and collect some wood for their use. But, Basanti did not oblige, which reportedly irked Mahendra. The couple quarreled for some time, after which Mahendra picked up an axe and hit it on neck of Basanti. Basanti was critically injured. Although neighbours rushed him to a local hospital, doctors at the hospital declared her brought dead.
Hemgiri police registered a case and arrested Mahendra and also seized the weapon used by accused Mahendra. On Monday, after examining as many as 20 witnesses, District Session Judge, Sundargah, Manas Ranjan Barik held Mahendra guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment and penalty of Rs 2,000. For a default of not paying the fine, Mahendra was to undergo another six months of imprisonment.
In the other case, Niranjan Munda, a native of Athakada village under Bhasma police station on February 6, 2015 night had a quarrel with his wife Swapna.
Their daughter Salima had woken up, hearing the quarrel and saw Niranjan beating Swapna. later he picked an axe and hacked her to death. Salima, who was eyewitness to the killing, had informed his maternal uncle the next day morning, after which they had lodged a FIR in Bhasma police station.
The police had arrested Niranjan and recovered the weapon used for crime.
On Monday, after examining as many as 15 witnesses, Additional District Judge, Sundargarh, Rohit lal Panda held Niranjan guilty and sentenced him to life imprisonment, besides penalty of Rs 10,000 and in default to pay the penalty amount, Niranjan will have to undergo another one year of imprisonment.