A shocking case of suspected premeditated murder has come to light in Sundargarh town in Odisha. A 36-year-old woman, along with her 24-year-old paramour and another associate, allegedly killed her husband over marital discord and an illicit affair.

Victim Found Dead in His Sleep

The deceased, 62-year-old Dhruba Kerketta of Hari Om Colony in Sundargarh, was found dead on Tuesday night. He was a retired head clerk of the Subdega block office and had been living with his wife Urmila Kerketta in rented accommodation in the town. Police said he was strangled in his sleep after being made to consume six sleeping pills.

Illicit Affair Led to Marital Discord

According to DIG (Western Range) Brijesh Rai, Urmila was reportedly forced into marrying Dhruba in 2012 despite a 26-year age gap. Over the years, she entered into a romantic relationship with Subrat Majhi, a 24-year-old from Tasladihi village. Dhruba was reportedly opposed to this affair, and Subrat’s frequent visits to their home led to escalating tension between the couple.

Murder Plot Executed with Help of Accomplice

Sundargarh SDPO Nirmal Mohapatra said that on the night of the incident, Urmila gave Dhruba six sleeping pills. Around midnight, Subrat and his associate Bimal Dandasena (34) arrived on a motorcycle. The three then allegedly strangled Dhruba to death while he was asleep. Before dawn, the two men fled the scene.

Urmila initially misled police by claiming her husband died from an overdose of sleeping pills. However, a scientific team examined the crime scene, and inconsistencies in the account led to further investigation and eventual confessions.

All Three Accused in Judicial Custody

Police registered a case under Sections 103(1)/3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (Case No. 349/2025) and produced the trio in court. All three were denied bail and remanded to judicial custody at Sundargarh jail. The motorcycle used in the crime has also been seized. During interrogation, the accused reportedly confessed to the murder.

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