In a landmark verdict, the District and Sessions Court in Dhenkanal, Odisha, has sentenced eight individuals to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of Salman Rout amid political rivalry during the 2017 Gram Panchayat elections. The case stemmed from a violent clash over election posters.

The incident occurred on the evening of February 4, 2017, in Godi Sahi, Tarava Gram Panchayat under Sadar Police Station in Dhenkanal district.

According to the complaint filed by Bikram Keshari Mallick, a group including the victim was chatting near a local shop when the accused—led by Chikun Biswal and others—attempted to paste posters on a wall. When protested, the accused assaulted the group. Salman Rout intervened and was shot in the chest, succumbing to his injuries at the District Headquarters

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