Jajpur, June 29 ( UDN): More than five years after the sensational murder of Rama Devi Women’s University student Jharaphula Nayak shocked Odisha, a court in Jajpur on Monday convicted the accused and pronounced sentences in the high-profile case.

The Jajpur District and Sessions Court sentenced the prime accused, Rakesh Swain alias Nandiya, to life imprisonment for the murder of Jharaphula Nayak. Co-accused Amaresh Rout was awarded a five-year jail term for his role in the crime.

The case, which had triggered widespread outrage across the state, dates back to January 26, 2021. According to the prosecution, Jharaphula, a student of Rama Devi Women’s University, had gone to an OYO hotel in the Jagamara area of Bhubaneswar along with her friend Rakesh Swain.

Investigators alleged that Jharaphula was subsequently murdered inside the hotel room by Rakesh with the assistance of his associate. In an attempt to conceal the crime, the accused allegedly transported the body on a scooter and dumped it near Kuakhia in Jajpur district before absconding.

The body was later recovered by police, leading to an extensive investigation that drew significant public attention. During the probe, police relied on circumstantial evidence, including CCTV footage, call records and other forensic clues, to trace and arrest the accused.

After examining the evidence and hearing arguments from both sides, the court found the accused guilty and delivered its verdict on Monday, bringing a major development in one of Odisha’s most talked-about criminal cases.

The murder had sparked intense debate over women’s safety and had remained under public scrutiny throughout the course of the investigation and trial.