TNI Bureau: The mystery surrounding the sensational abduction and murder of plot dealer Sudhir Patra in Gopalpur has been unravelled, with police confirming that a property dispute was the prime motive. Nine persons, including the victim’s nephew and niece, have been arrested in connection with the case.

Addressing a press conference, the Superintendent of Police revealed that the victim’s niece, Nibedita Patra, is the prime accused. Investigations indicate that she, along with her boyfriend Kalu Charan Pradhan, meticulously planned the murder. Kalu is believed to be the mastermind, while Nibedita’s brother, Tushar Patra, also played a key role in executing the conspiracy.

Among those arrested are Tushar Patra, Nibedita Patra, Kalu Charan Pradhan, Ashish Mohapatra, Narayan Pradhan, Shubham Nayak, Shubham Gouda, Surya Pratap Singh, and Jitun Palei. All accused are currently in police custody, and further investigation is underway.

Sudhir Patra, a resident of Satyanarayanpur village near Gopalpur in Ganjam district, was engaged in land and plot dealings in areas like Balugaon, Nachuni, and Khallikote. He was abducted on the evening of April 15 while returning home on his motorcycle after playing volleyball. The incident occurred around 8 pm near Dura Defence Colony under Gopalpur police limits. His abandoned motorcycle was later recovered, prompting his family to lodge a complaint.

Despite extensive searches, police initially failed to trace him. The case took a grim turn on Wednesday when a decomposed body was discovered near Rashipankal bridge, close to Balapanka village under Sorada police limits. A team, including forensic experts and family members, reached the spot and identified the body based on the clothes Sudhir was wearing at the time of his abduction.

The shocking involvement of close family members has added a disturbing dimension to the case, highlighting how property disputes can escalate into brutal crimes.