Paralakhemundi: A local court in Gajapati district Thursday sentenced 12 persons to life imprisonment for murdering a father and his son on suspicion of practising witchcraft and sorcery. Additional District and Sessions Judge Haraprasad Pattnaik convicted all 12 under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced them to life imprisonment.
The court also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on each convict. In default of payment, they will undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment. The convicts were identified as Joshua Gamang, 36, Benjamin Gamang, 40, Sanjay Gamang, 28, Abhimanyu Raika, 35, Kandra Gamang, 67, Mikhail Gamang, 55, Seto Raika, 42, Jirimia Raika, 42, Abraham Badaraita, 45, Junes Raita, 40, Kura Rait, 60, and Somnath Gamang, 45.
According to the case details, the accused took Luka Dalabehera of Mutaguda Sau ra Sahi under Adaba police limit from his house around 5 pm June 12, 2021, suspecting him of practising witchcraft. He was taken near Joshua Gamang’s house and questioned.
Later, Luka’s son, Anuk Dalabehera, was also called to the spot. The father and son were subsequently taken to Kusum Sahi ground and detained until around 11 pm, where they were allegedly assaulted. Luka collapsed at the spot, while Anuk, who was seriously injured, managed to return home and inform his family.
He later succumbed to his injuries. Anuk’s sister lodged a complaint at Adaba police station June 13, 2021. Police registered case (63/21) and launched an investigation.
The then inspector-in-charge, Anand Chandra Patra, investigated the case, arrested the accused and produced them in court. After examining the evidence and witness statements, the court convicted all 12 and pronounced the sentence Thursday.