Bhubaneswar, Jan 15: In a significant ruling, the Orissa High Court has commuted the death sentences of nine individuals convicted for the brutal murder of three family members, whom they suspected of practicing witchcraft.

The Rayagada District and Sessions Court had sentenced Degunu Sabara, Dasantu Sabara, Dalasa Sabara, Ajanta Sabara, Podantu Sabara, Iru Sabara, Lakia Sabara, Bubuna Sabara, and Maliku Sabara to death in October 2021 for the murder of Asina Sabara, his wife Ambai, and their daughter Asimani in 2016. The convicts had appealed the verdict, leading to the commutation of their sentences to life imprisonment.

The horrific incident occurred on September 9, 2016, in Kitum village, Rayagada district. The convicts dragged the victims from their home, assaulted them in a cowshed until they lost consciousness, injected pesticides into their eyes and private parts, and buried them alive. Later, to destroy evidence, they exhumed and burnt the bodies.

Following local reports, police acted swiftly to arrest the culprits. The High Court's decision ensures they will now serve life sentences.

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