Businessman's Family Torn Apart by Ransom Kidnapping and Murder
A tragic tale of family animosity and greed has unfolded in Ganjam, with a local real-estate businessman, Patra, falling victim to a Rs 2 crore ransom kidnapping that turned deadly.
The Dispute that Led to the Crime
The case began with a prolonged business dispute between Sudhir Kumar Patra and his brother, Manoj Kumar Patra, who passed away in June last year due to illness.
- The dispute escalated into a financial dispute, with Manoj's family accusing Sudhir of using black magic, leading to his untimely death.
- The animosity between the families grew, with Manoj's family members seeking "revenge" against Sudhir.
The Investigation Unfolds
A thorough investigation led to the arrest of nine individuals, including Manoj's 23-year-old daughter, Nibedita Patra, and her 19-year-old brother, Tushar.
- Nibedita was found to have been in close contact with the main accused, Kalu Charan Pradhan, for five years.
- She allegedly passed information about Sudhir's financial status and movement, and instigated revenge against him.
- Tushar was also in regular touch with Kalu and sought retaliation against Sudhir.
The Kidnapping and Murder
The assailants abducted Sudhir at 7pm on April 15 and took him to Ramapada jungle, where he was assaulted with wooden planks and shot at to scare him.
- The entire process was videotaped, and the accused sent the video to Sudhir's wife, demanding a Rs 2 crore ransom.
- Despite the family arranging the money, the kidnappers did not turn up, as Sudhir had succumbed to his injuries early on April 16.
- The accused then dumped the body and absconded to different locations.
The Investigation Continues
Police have arrested nine individuals, including Nibedita and Tushar, and are working with the Surat Crime Branch to apprehend the remaining accused.
The Ganjam SP has highlighted the key role played by Nibedita and Tushar in the kidnapping and murder, emphasizing that they were hiding something.