Bhubaneswar, May 20 -- In a peculiar case reflecting the prolonged pendency of minor criminal matters in courts, the Kuchinda SDJM Court in Sambalpur has acquitted three persons nearly 20 years after they were booked in connection with the theft of gutkha and cigarettes worth just Rs 52.

The case dates back to 2006, when gutkha packets and cigarettes valued at Rs 52 were allegedly stolen from a paan shop owned by late Prafulla Sahu at Station Basti in Bamra area of Sambalpur district.

Following a complaint lodged at Govindpur police station, police had arrested four persons from Nuniamunda village on charges of theft and another person from Kechupani village for allegedly purchasing the stolen goods. All the accused were later released ...