In a landmark ruling, a local court in Odisha’s Ganjam district has handed down life imprisonment to five individuals convicted in the brutal murder of a Berhampur trader during a daring robbery. The verdict, delivered on Friday, brings some measure of justice to the family of Lambodar Muni, whose life was cut short in June 2020.
The incident unfolded on the night of June 13, 2020, when Muni, owner of Mahalaxmi Bhandar and distributor for Heritage Milk Products, was resting in the warehouse adjacent to his office in Berhampur’s Hillpatna area. A gang of robbers broke into the premises with the intent to loot, but their plan turned deadly. They mercilessly killed Muni, fleeing with approximately 10 lakh rupees in cash and 20-25 grams of gold jewelry.
Initial investigations by the district police hit roadblocks, prompting Muni’s son to approach the Odisha High Court citing lapses in the probe. On September 27, 2023, the High Court directed the Odisha Police Crime Branch to take over. A fresh case was registered on December 1, 2023, leading to the arrests of Rupesh Padhi alias Shiva Mahakud, Ranjeet Sahu alias Naka, Sri Nu Patra, and Shankar Sahu.
Recovered from the accused were the stolen gold, cash, and other items, positively identified by Muni’s wife, sons, and daughter. The court meticulously examined statements from 41 witnesses, alongside forensic evidence including CCTV footage and call detail records from the accused’s mobile numbers.
On January 28, 2026, the accused were declared guilty, and the sentencing on Friday marked the culmination of a protracted legal battle. Prosecutors successfully proved their case through a combination of oral testimonies, documents, and digital trails. This conviction underscores the relentless pursuit of justice in Odisha, serving as a stern warning to criminals targeting vulnerable business owners.
