Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Crime Branch's Criminal Investigation Department (CID-CB) has solved a blind murder case in Mayurbhanj district using DNA profiling, leading to the identification of the victim and the arrest of two accused, while a juvenile has also been apprehended.

The case relates to CID-CB Police Station Case No. 02 of 2024, which arose from Udala Police Station Case No. 351 dated November 8, 2023, registered under Sections 302 and 201 of the Indian Penal Code.

According to the CID-CB, the body of an unidentified man was recovered from an abandoned well in a secluded area under Udala police limits. As the body had remained submerged in water for a prolonged period and was in an advanced state of decomposition, investigators were unable to establish the victim's identity through conventional methods.

After taking over the investigation, the CID-CB launched an extensive probe using scientific and technical methods. Investigators prepared a list of missing persons matching the profile of the deceased and shortlisted two individuals. Blood samples from their family members were collected and sent for DNA profiling.

DNA profiling identifies decomposed body recovered from abandoned well

On June 29, 2026, DNA analysis confirmed that the deceased was Juburaj Singh of Sukhua Sahi village under Udala police limits in Mayurbhanj district. His identity was established by matching his DNA profile with that of his son, Biswanath Singh.

Further investigation revealed that before his murder, Juburaj Singh had been invited to Banasahi (Dugudha) village to perform an exorcism ritual, where he attended a community feast. He subsequently went missing, and his body, packed inside a tied bag, was later found dumped in an abandoned well located in a cashew plantation.

The investigation found that the murder was allegedly committed by Sangauramohan Singh alias Bida Singh, Narahari Singh alias Bapi Singh, and a Child in Conflict with Law (CCL), all residents of Banasahi (Dugudha) village.

According to the CID-CB, the accused suspected Juburaj Singh of practising witchcraft and believed he was responsible for the death of Sangauramohan Singh's child. Acting on this suspicion, they allegedly murdered him and disposed of the body in the abandoned well to destroy evidence.

The two adult accused were arrested on July 2 and produced before the Court of the Sub-Divisional Judicial Magistrate (SDJM), Udala, on the same day. The juvenile accused was produced before the Juvenile Justice Board in Baripada on July 3.

The CID-CB said the breakthrough highlights the crucial role of scientific investigation, particularly DNA profiling, in solving complex criminal cases where conventional identification methods fail.