The Simdega Civil Court concluded the hearing on Wednesday in the case concerning the murder of four individuals, including a young child. Principal District and Sessions Judge Rajiv Kumar Sinha presided over the proceedings, which resulted in the sentencing of the main accused to death. Two other individuals received life sentences. A fine of Rs 20,000 was also levied on each of the convicts. The crime took place within the Pakartand police station jurisdiction.
The murders were sparked by a land dispute. On May 17, 2018, Rakesh Soreng was at his residence in Nongarha Gondlipani, Pakartand. Punit Soreng, Sanjay Soreng, and Nirmal Soreng confronted him, leading to an argument concerning land ownership. Nestor Soreng attempted to intervene, but he was fatally attacked with a ‘tangi’. The attackers then entered the house and killed Rakesh Soreng, his wife Karmela Soreng, and their five-year-old son Philmon Soreng using the same weapon. Following the incident, the police arrested and incarcerated the suspects.
During the trial, the court considered evidence and witness testimonies presented by Public Prosecutor Amar Chaudhary, leading to the conviction of Sanjay Soreng, Nirmal Soreng, and Punit Soreng. The court sentenced Sanjay Soreng to death, while the other two received life imprisonment.