States » EastPosted at: Sep 17 2026 8:28PM


Odisha: 12 get life imprisonment for killing man, son over witchcraft suspicion

Bhubaneswar, Sep 17 (UNI) A court in Odisha’s Gajapati district on Thursday sentenced 12 people to life imprisonment for murdering a man and his son five years ago on suspicion that they practised witchcraft, police said.
Additional Sessions Judge, Paralakhemundi, H P Pattanaik convicted all 12 accused in the double murder case and sentenced them to life imprisonment.
The period they have already spent in detention—five years, three months and two days—will be set off against their sentences.
According to the prosecution, a village meeting was held near the house of accused Josua Gamango at Muthaguda under Adava police station on June 12, 2021.
During the meeting, the villagers allegedly accused Luka Dalabehera of killing people through witchcraft. Luka Dalabehera and his son Anuka were subsequently called to a field on the outskirts of Kusumsahi village, where they were brutally attacked and killed.
Anuka's throat was slit, the prosecution said.
Following a written complaint by Ludia Gamango, daughter of Luka and sister of Anuka, Adava police registered a case and filed a chargesheet against 12 people after investigation.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 23 witnesses. The court held that the deaths were homicidal and rejected the defence plea of false implication.
The convicts are Josua Gamango, Benjamin Gamango, Sanjay Gamango, Abhimanyu Raika, Kandra Gamango alias Janas Gamango, Mikhaiel Gamango, Seto Raika, Jiri alias Jermiya Raika, Abraham Badaraita, Junesh Raita, Kura Raita and Somanath Gamango, all residents of Muthaguda.
Gajapati Superintendent of Police Prahalad Sahai Meena appreciated the investigating officers, prosecutor for their efforts leading to their conviction.
UNI MK RN
Tags: #Odisha: 12 get life imprisonment for killing man# son over witchcraft suspicion
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