Bhubaneswar: The State Crime Branch on Saturday solved a blind murder case at Udala Police Station in Mayurbhanj district, with DNA profiling helping establish the identity of the victim and leading to the arrest of two accused and the apprehension of a juvenile.
The arrested accused have been identified as Sangauramohan Singh, alias Bida Singh, and Narahari Singh, alias Bapi Singh, along with a Child in Conflict with Law (CCL), all residents of Banasahi (Dugudha) under Udala Police Station.
The case, initially registered on February 8, 2024, under Sections 302/201 IPC at Udala Police Station, involved the recovery of an unidentified male body from an abandoned well in a secluded area. Due to advanced decomposition caused by prolonged immersion in water, the identity of the deceased could not be ascertained through conventional methods.
After taking over the investigation, the Crime Branch carried out sustained field inquiries supported by scientific and technical examination. A list of missing persons matching the profile of the deceased was prepared, and two potential cases were shortlisted. Blood samples from the respective family members were collected and sent for DNA profiling.
On June 29, 2026, DNA analysis confirmed the identity of the deceased as Juburaj Singh of Sukhua Sahi village under Udala Police Station in Mayurbhanj district. His identity was established through a DNA match with his son, Biswanath Singh.
The investigation revealed that prior to his death, the deceased had been invited by a villager of Banasahi (Dugudha) to perform an exorcism ritual. He attended a feast at the location and subsequently went missing. His body was later recovered from an abandoned well inside a cashew plantation, packed in a tied bag.
The Crime Branch further found that the murder was committed by Sangauramohan Singh and Narahari Singh, along with a Child in Conflict with Law (CCL). The accused allegedly suspected the victim of practising witchcraft, believing he was responsible for the death of the child of one of the accused.
Both adult accused were arrested on July 2, 2026, and were forwarded to the court of SDJM, Udala, the same day. The juvenile was produced before the Principal Magistrate, Juvenile Justice Board, Baripada, on July 3, 2026.
