Justice after 23 years: 14 convicted in 2003 case over parading couple naked in Odisha

A local court in Jharsuguda district convicted 14 individuals concluding a 23-year-old legal battle. The convictions were made in connection with a sensational case involving illegal confinement, physical assault, and public humiliation that happened in 2003 under the Laikera Police Station limits. In the incident, two victims were illegally detained, assaulted, and paraded naked through a village. Statutory Convictions And Acquittals The Court of the Senior Civil Judge (Women’s Court)-cum-Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC), Jharsuguda, delivered its final verdict on June 26, 2026. After examining the evidence and testimonies, the court declared all 14 accused guilty under several IPC sections. The accused were convicted under Section 341 (wrongful restraint), Section 323 (voluntarily causing hurt), Section 354 (assault or criminal force with intent to outrage modesty), and Section 355 (assault or criminal force with intent to dishonour a person in public), read alongside Section 34 (acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of the IPC. The court, however, acquitted all the accused of charges brought under Section 294 (obscene acts or abusive language). Long-Term Investigation The original incident in 2003 had triggered widespread public outrage across the district due to the inhuman torture and public humiliation inflicted upon the two victims. Despite the long delay in the judicial process, the prosecution successfully built its case on the strength of the original police investigation and sustained evidence tracking. District law enforcement authorities welcomed the judicial outcome, highlighting it as a testament to persistent police follow-up. “Securing conviction in this case even after 23 years reflects the continuous efforts and dedication of the police. No matter how much time passes, criminals cannot escape the hands of the law,” the Jharsuguda Police stated in an official reaction following the verdict. Also Read: Suspended lady Kendrapara IIC moves Orissa High Court seeking anticipatory bail in custodial torture case Case Background The incident reportedly took place when the concivted individuals suddenly barged into the house of the victim couple and started abusing them over not supporting their committee. The convicts threatened the couple that if they did not support them then they would face dire consequences. However, when the couple denied any involvement and tried to reason that they were not creating any troubles, the convicts disrobed the couple, made them wear a garland of sandals, painted their face with black ink and paraded them through the village while physically assualting them.