Bhubaneswar, November 21: The Bhadrak Rural Police have cracked the murder case of Ex-Sarapanch Chitaranjan Rout, alias Nalu, with the arrest of four individuals, including the prime accused, Bidyut Kumar Sahoo alias Dhuma. The others arrested are Badal Kumar Samal, Saroj Kumar Sahoo, and Prasanta Rout. Weapons and ammunition used in the crime have been seized by the police.
Dr. Satyajit Naik, DIG, Eastern Range, and M. Sanddip Sampat, Bhadrak SP briefed the media about the crime and the steps taken to nab the accused.
Case Overview
The murder came to light on November 13, 2024, when Manoranjan Rout of Bandhagaon reported his brother Chitaranjan missing. Chitaranjan's phone was unreachable, and the next morning, his lifeless body, bearing multiple head injuries, was discovered in a paddy field.
Acting swiftly, Bhadrak Rural Police launched an investigation, forming three teams to expedite the case. After a meticulous probe, it was revealed that financial disputes drove the crime.
The Murder Plot
Bidyut Kumar Sahoo alias Dhuma the prime accused allegedly orchestrated the murder following a financial fallout with Chitaranjan, a former sarpanch of Bandhagaon. According to police, Dhuma had suffered business losses, which he blamed on the victim. Two months before the murder, Dhuma conspired with Badal Kumar Samal, offering an advance payment of ₹40,000 out of an agreed ₹2.5 lakh to execute the killing.
On November 12, 2024, the victim was returning home from Panchapada after attending a feast. Saroj Kumar Sahoo lured him to a playground under the pretext of drinking alcohol. There, all four accused consumed alcohol with the victim. Later, while Chitaranjan was heading home, the other accused — Badal, Saroj, and Prasanta — intercepted him and brutally murdered him using a cleaver knife.
Investigation and Arrests
The accused had previously made several unsuccessful attempts to kill Chitaranjan. However, on the night of November 12, they executed their plan under Dhuma's instructions. The arrests and recovery of evidence mark a significant breakthrough in the case.
Police officials have stated that the investigation is ongoing, with efforts underway to gather additional evidence and present a watertight case against the accused.
