Rourkela: Police on Thursday arrested nine men and detained two minors in connection with the murder of a 24-year-old man from Jharsuguda district. The body was discovered in Bijadih forest under Dharuadih police limits around three weeks ago.
The deceased, identified as Chandan Dharua, a tent house worker from Laikera, Jharsuguda, was allegedly killed due to previous enmity. Seven of the accused, including a minor, were directly involved in the murder, while four others, including the other minor, were named as conspirators.
Sundargarh SP Pratyush Diwakar said the accused convinced Dharua to come to a fair in Govindpur Bamra, Sambalpur district, on Feb 18. After consuming alcohol, they took him to Bijadih forest where they allegedly assaulted him and slit his throat before dumping his body.
The murder came to light when villagers discovered the body while collecting wood on Jan 20. Bhimsen Bariha, the sarpanch of Kulta panchayat, reported the incident to the police.
The principal accused have been identified as Bibek Kunari (19), Arun Naik (24), Prakash Behera (24), Saroj Naik (25), Chandan Kunar (21), Harekrushna Patra (23) and a 17-year-old minor. The conspirators are Raja Dhurua (25), Jiban Prakash (23), Kuna Patra (21) and another 17-year-old minor. All accused are residents of Jharsuguda district.
DSP (Human Rights Protection Cell) Amrita Nandini Mohanty said police recovered seven knives used in the crime. “Investigations are ongoing to determine if others were involved,” she said.
The case was solved under the supervision of SP Pratyush Diwakar, with DSP Amrita Nandini Mohanty and inspector in-charge Sanjkuta Sahu leading the investigation.