Archive · 1 Sep 2026
Odisha Police Arrest Two in Childless Couple’s Double Murder
Police in Odisha arrested two men in connection with the deaths of a married couple.
The couple had reportedly been married for about 20 years and wanted to have a child.
Police allege that Mithun Digal pretended to be a witch doctor who could help them.
He allegedly took money, gold, and gave them a liquid described as a spiritual remedy.
The liquid was reportedly pesticide.
Lalita died in hospital, and Kanhu died the next day.
Police suspect the alleged fraud and a personal relationship with Lalita led to the murders.
Kanhu reportedly named someone called Anil Pradhan before he died, but police arrested Digal and his alleged helper, Seetaya Kanhar.
The investigation is continuing.
Police arrested Mithun Digal and Seetaya Kanhar over the alleged poisoning deaths of a childless couple in Kandhamal district.
Investigators allege Digal posed as a witch doctor, promised fertility treatment, and cheated the couple of about ₹30,000 and gold ornaments worth approximately ₹1 lakh.
Police suspect resentment grew after the treatment failed and Kanhu Charana Kanhar demanded his money back.
The couple allegedly consumed pesticide supplied as a spiritual remedy; Lalita Kanhar died on August 24 and Kanhu died on August 25.
Before his death, Kanhu reportedly named “Anil Pradhan” as the supplier, while police identified Digal as the prime accused; further investigation is underway.
- Who
- Kanhu Charana Kanhar and Lalita Kanhar died; police arrested Mithun Digal and Seetaya Kanhar.
- What
- A childless couple allegedly died after consuming pesticide presented as a spiritual or fertility remedy.
- When
- The couple consumed the liquid on the night of August 22-23; Lalita died on August 24 and Kanhu on August 25. The arrests were announced on Tuesday.
- Where
- The case was investigated in Kandhamal district, Odisha; Lalita was treated at MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur.
- Why
- Police suspect the alleged failed treatment, demands for repayment, and Digal’s reported relationship with Lalita motivated the killings.
- Victims
- Kanhu Charana Kanhar and his wife, Lalita Kanhar
- Arrested
- Mithun Digal, described by police as the prime accused, and Seetaya Kanhar
- Alleged financial loss
- About ₹30,000 in cash and gold ornaments worth approximately ₹1 lakh
- Alleged poison
- Pesticide allegedly supplied as “Kata Pani” or a special spiritual remedy
- Deaths
- Lalita died on August 24; Kanhu died on August 25
- Police action
- A prima facie case was registered under Sections 123, 103(1), and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita
- Reported dying declaration
- Kanhu reportedly named “Anil Pradhan” as the person who supplied the liquid