Gajapati, September 17 (Daily Kiran) : In a significant ruling, a court in Gajapati district, Odisha, sentenced twelve individuals to life imprisonment on Thursday for the murder of a father and son suspected of witchcraft. The verdict was delivered by the Additional Sessions Judge in Paralakhemundi.
The convicted individuals were identified as Joshua Gamango, Benjamin Gamango, Sanjay Gamango, Abhimanyu Raika, Kandra Gamango alias Janas, Mikhail Gamango, Seto Raika, Jiri alias Jermia Raika, Abraham Badreita, Junesh Raika, Kura Raika, and Somnath Gamango. All the accused hail from Muthaguda village in the Adava police jurisdiction.
The case dates back to June 12, 2021, when a village meeting was convened near Joshua Gamango’s home. During this gathering, accusations were made against Luka Dalabehera, claiming he was using witchcraft to harm villagers.
Following the meeting, Luka and his son Anuka Dalabehera were taken to a field in Kusum Sahi village, where they were brutally murdered. Anuka was killed by having his throat slit.
The incident prompted Luka’s daughter, Ludia Gamango, to file a written complaint, leading the Adava police to register a case on June 13, 2021. After completing their investigation, the police filed a charge sheet against the twelve accused.
According to Gajapati police, the court found sufficient evidence, including witness testimonies, to confirm that both Luka and Anuka were murdered. The court also dismissed the defendants’ claims of being falsely implicated in the case.
Gajapati Superintendent of Police Prahlad Sahay Meena commended the efforts of the investigative officers, prosecutors, and court staff for securing justice in this double murder case.
In a related ruling, a local court in Raigarh district sentenced a man to life imprisonment for the murder of his wife. The convicted individual, Gurunath Gouda, resided in Bhati Pas village in the Kashi Pur police area.
The case unfolded on February 5, 2024, when a domestic dispute led Gurunath to attack his wife, Pushpa Gouda, with an axe at their home. Pushpa was rushed to a hospital in Thuamul Rampur, where she was pronounced dead.
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