Berhampur: A court in Gajapati district on Thursday sentenced 12 people to life imprisonment for the murder of a father-son duo in 2021 on suspicion of practiticing witchcraft.Additional district and sessions judge H P Pattanaik of Paralakhemundi also imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 each on convicts — Josua Gamango, Benjamin Gamango, Sanjay Gamango, Abhimanyu Raika, Kandra alias Janas Gamango, Mikhaiel Gamango, Seto Raika, Jiri alias Jermiya Raika, Abraham Badaraita, Junesh Raita, Kura Raita and Somanath Gamango, all residents of Muthaguda village under Adava police limits. In case of default in payment, they will have to undergo an additional six months of rigorous imprisonment.The court delivered the verdict after examining 23 witnesses, including police personnel and doctors, and scrutinising documentary evidence, public prosecutor Rajesh Kumar Mishra said.According to the prosecution, the accused held a meeting at Josua’s house on June 12, 2021, before attacking Luka Dalabehera and his son Anuka at Kusumsahi on the outskirts of the village. Luka’s daughter, Ludia Gamango, lodged an FIR at Adava police station the following day. Police arrested all 12 accused on June 15, 2021. They have remained in judicial custody since then after courts rejected their bail pleas.Additional public prosecutor S K Rath sought the death penalty, arguing that the case fell within the “rarest of rare” category. The court, however, declined the plea and awarded life imprisonment.
