Kodala (Ganjam): An Additional District and Sessions Court in Kodala on Tuesday sentenced a man to life imprisonment for murdering his wife by allegedly pouring kerosene on her and setting her on fire in Ganjam district, nearly four years after the incident.
Additional District and Sessions Judge Biswa Ranjan Behera found the accused, Saddam Hussein, guilty in the case and sentenced him to life imprisonment. The court also imposed a fine of Rs 50,000 on him. In default of payment of the fine, he will undergo an additional six months of imprisonment, the court ordered.
According to the case record, the incident took place on October 11, 2022, at Budhamba under Kabisuryanagar police station limits. Saddam allegedly poured kerosene on his wife, Sanima Bibi, and set her on fire over dowry-related issues.
Sanima, who sustained critical burn injuries, was initially admitted to a hospital in Khordha. She remained under treatment for several days before succumbing to her injuries on December 23, 2022.
Following the incident, Kabisuryanagar police registered an FIR against Saddam Hussein, his mother Saira Banu and his sisters-in-law Sajida Bibi and Wahida Bibi.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 21 witnesses. After considering the evidence, the court convicted Saddam and sentenced him to life imprisonment, while acquitting Saira Banu, Sajida Bibi and Wahida Bibi for lack of sufficient evidence.
The convicted man has been sent to Kodala Sub-Jail.
