Man gets life term for murder of former VC of Sambalpur univ | Bhubaneswar News
Jharsuguda: A local court on Friday sentenced 24-year-old Prabin Kumar Dharua to life imprisonment for the murder of former Sambalpur University vice-chancellor, Dhruv Raj Naik.
Additional district and sessions judge Subas Chandra Dhal pronounced the verdict after examining 22 witnesses, 32 documents and forensic evidence. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Dharua, with an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment if he defaults.
The incident occurred on June 27, 2021, when Dharua attacked Naik with an axe at his residence in Kuanrmal village, following a dispute over leasing a pond. The 63-year-old academic was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Additional public prosecutor Gangadhar Garnayak told reporters that Dharua was found guilty under Section 302 of the IPC. “The evidence, including the murder weapon, clearly established the accused’s guilt,” he said.
Naik, who had returned to his native village after retirement, was known for his environmental conservation efforts. Following the death of his elder son Subrat in 2008, Naik had dedicated himself to protecting the 1,000-acre Andhari forest through community-led initiatives.
As the founder of Maa Andhari Van Suraksha Samiti Maha Sangha, a community federation, Naik had mobilised villagers to take turns guarding the forest against exploitation.
Additional district and sessions judge Subas Chandra Dhal pronounced the verdict after examining 22 witnesses, 32 documents and forensic evidence. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on Dharua, with an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment if he defaults.
The incident occurred on June 27, 2021, when Dharua attacked Naik with an axe at his residence in Kuanrmal village, following a dispute over leasing a pond. The 63-year-old academic was rushed to the hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
Additional public prosecutor Gangadhar Garnayak told reporters that Dharua was found guilty under Section 302 of the IPC. “The evidence, including the murder weapon, clearly established the accused’s guilt,” he said.
Naik, who had returned to his native village after retirement, was known for his environmental conservation efforts. Following the death of his elder son Subrat in 2008, Naik had dedicated himself to protecting the 1,000-acre Andhari forest through community-led initiatives.
As the founder of Maa Andhari Van Suraksha Samiti Maha Sangha, a community federation, Naik had mobilised villagers to take turns guarding the forest against exploitation.
