In a landmark verdict, Paralakhemundi Additional Sessions Judge, H.P. Pattanaik, convicted 12 individuals for a double murder driven by witchcraft suspicions, sentencing each of them to life imprisonment along with a fine of Rs 10,000.
The case dates back to June 12, 2021, when a village meeting was convened near the residence of one of the accused, Josua Gamango, in Muthaguda village under Adava Police Station limits.
During the meeting, villagers accused Luka Dalabehera of practising witchcraft and causing deaths in the community. Subsequently, Luka Dalabehera and his son, Anuka Dalabehera, were summoned to the Kusumsahi village field on the outskirts and murdered, with Anuka’s throat being slit.
Following a written complaint by the victims’ family member, Ludia Gamango, Adava Police registered a case under relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and submitted a comprehensive charge-sheet against 12 individuals.
During the trial, the prosecution examined 23 witnesses. The court established both deaths as homicidal and rejected the defense’s argument of false implication.
The convicted individuals—all residents of Muthaguda village—include Josua Gamango, Benjamin Gamango, Sanjay Gamango, Abhimanyu Raika, Kandra Gamango, Mikhaiel Gamango, Seto Raika, Jiri Raika, Abraham Badaraita, Junesh Raita, Kura Raita, and Somanath Gamango.
The court ruled that their prior detention period of over five years will be set off against their sentences.
