Odisha Police Arrest 9, Including Family Members, in Real Estate Businessman Murder
The police in Odisha's Ganjam district have arrested nine people, including two family members, for their alleged involvement in the abduction and murder of a real estate businessman.
Key Accused Persons:
- Nibedita Patra (23): Niece of the deceased, the main accused in the sensational case
- Tushar Patra (19): Nephew of the deceased, second main accused
- Kalu Charan Pradhan (28): Male friend of Nibedita, assisted in arranging contract killers
The police arrested the accused persons a day after recovering the highly decomposed body of the victim, Sudhir Kumar Patra (47), from Ketamani hill under Sorada police station limits.
Investigation Reveals:
- Preliminary investigation has revealed that the property dispute between the families of the deceased and his brother was the main cause behind the murder
- The dispute arose after the death of Sudhir's brother in June last year
- Nibedita, the prime accused, along with her brother, engaged contract killers for the murder of Sudhir
The police said the deceased was allegedly kidnapped by the accused persons on April 15 evening from Dura at gunpoint, while he was returning to his home. They were then brutally assaulted with a wooden plank to terrorise him.
Seized Items:
- Two cars
- A country-made 7.65mm pistol
- 14 mobile phones
The accused persons have been charged under sections of kidnapping for ransom, criminal conspiracy, extortion, destruction of evidence and murder. Further investigation is ongoing to identify and apprehend other involved individuals.