Eight Convicted, Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in 2017 Salman Rout Murder Case

Dhenkanal: The Dhenkanal District Sessions Judge’s Court on Friday delivered its verdict in the high-profile Salman Rout murder case, sentencing eight accused to life imprisonment and imposing a fine of ₹20,000 each.

The case pertains to the murder of BJP youth leader Salman Rout of Tarabha village under Dhenkanal Sadar Police Station during the three-tier panchayat elections in February 2017. Rout was shot dead amid tensions over the sarpanch election in Tarabha Panchayat, triggering widespread outrage across Odisha.

Out of 15 individuals chargesheeted, one accused died during the trial, while six others were acquitted due to insufficient evidence.

Those convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment are Kulmani Rout (then sarpanch candidate), Hrudananda Biswal (Samiti member of Sankulei Panchayat), Byamakesh Biswal, Trayambak Biswal, Mrityunjay Biswal, Samarendra Biswal, Manoranjan Biswal, and Debendra Swain.

The public prosecutor representing the state confirmed that the court found substantial evidence linking the eight convicts to Rout’s murder.

The 2017 killing of Salman Rout had sparked intense political debate and public demand for swift justice, highlighting concerns over violence during local body elections in Odisha.