Bhubaneswar: A local court in Odisha’s Ganjam district on Friday sentenced five individuals to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a trader during a robbery in Berhampur city in June 2020.
According to reports, on the night of June 13, 2020, Limbodar Muni, owner of Mahalaxmi Bhandar and distributor of Heritage Milk Products, was sleeping in the warehouse of his office premises located in Hill Patna area of Berhampur city. Unknown assailants entered the office with the intent to loot.
The robbers killed Muni mercilessly and escaped with cash amounting to ₹10 lakh and 20-25 grams of gold jewellery. The initial investigation was conducted by the district police after a case was registered on June 14, 2020, at Gosaninua Gaon police station.
However, citing lapses in the police investigation, the victim’s son approached the Odisha High Court. Following the court’s directive on September 27, 2023, the Crime Branch of Odisha Police took over the case and registered a fresh case on December 1, 2023.
The police arrested five accused persons in connection with the robbery and murder: Rupesh Padhi alias Shiva Mahakud, Ranjit Sahu alias Naka, Srinu Patra, and Shankar Sahu.
Recovered from the accused were the stolen gold jewellery, cash, and other items, which were later identified by the victim’s wife, sons, and daughter.
After examining statements of 41 witnesses and other evidences, the court found the accused guilty on January 28, 2026. The sentencing was announced on Friday.
The prosecution proved its case based on oral and documentary evidence, including CCTV footage and call detail records from the accused’s mobile phones.
This verdict marks a significant development in the high-profile case that had drawn attention due to initial investigative shortcomings and the involvement of the Crime Branch following judicial intervention.
My name is Himanshu Tiwari. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including TECHNOLOGY, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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