Berhampur, Jan 31: A local court in Ganjam district has sentenced five persons to life imprisonment for the brutal murder of a businessman during a robbery in Berhampur city in June 2020, officials said on Saturday.

The victim, Lambodar Muni, proprietor of Mahalaxmi Bhandar and distributor of Heritage Milk Products, was killed while sleeping in his godown at Hilpatna on the night of June 13, 2020. The culprits decamped with Rs10 lakh in cash and gold ornaments weighing around 20–25 grams.

Initially investigated by the district police, the case was later transferred to the Crime Branch of Odisha Police following directions from the Orissa High Court in September 2023. The deceased’s son had approached the High Court citing lapses in the earlier probe. A fresh case was registered on December 1, 2023.

The Crime Branch arrested five persons — Rupesh Padhy alias Shiva Mahakud, Ranjit Sahu alias Naka, Srinu Patra, and Sankar Sahu — in connection with the crime. During investigation, stolen cash and ornaments were recovered from the accused and identified by the victim’s family.

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The trial court examined 41 witnesses, along with documentary evidence including CCTV footage and call detail records of the accused. On January 28, 2026, the court declared the five guilty of murder and robbery. The quantum of punishment was pronounced on Friday, sentencing each to life imprisonment.

The judgment has been seen as a significant outcome in a case that had raised questions about lapses in local policing and the need for thorough investigation in crimes involving business establishments.