Odisha’s judiciary struck a blow against crime as a Ganjam district court condemned five men to spend the rest of their lives in prison for slaying a Berhampur merchant in a 2020 heist. The Friday sentencing revives hope amid a saga of loss and legal tenacity.
Lambodar Muni’s nightmare began late on June 13, 2020. As owner of Mahalaxmi Bhandar—distributors for Heritage Milk Products—he slept in his Hillpatna office warehouse. Ruthless intruders stormed in, looted 10 lakh cash and gold worth 20-25 grams, and murdered him on the spot before escaping.
Local cops at Gosaninua Gaon outpost launched a probe post-FIR on June 14, but flaws prompted family intervention via the Odisha High Court. A September 27, 2023, directive shifted reins to the Crime Branch, culminating in a December 1, 2023, case and arrests of Rupesh Padhi (Shiva), Ranjeet Sahu (Naka), Sri Nu Patra, and Shankar Sahu.
The gang’s haul was seized and confirmed by Muni’s spouse and offspring. Trial highlights featured 41 witnesses, surveillance videos, and CDR data that sealed their fate. Guilty on January 28, 2026, they now face lifelong incarceration.
This triumph of evidence-driven justice, from family advocacy to courtroom closure, deters future predations on small business owners, affirming the strength of Odisha’s law enforcement apparatus.