Bhubaneswar, Nov 10: In a significant development in the murder case of AIIMS employee Sudhanshu Khuntia, who was killed on October 13 in the Sarkantra area, the Commissionerate Police have arrested Siba Pradhan, the alleged mastermind behind the murder. The killing is believed to have stemmed from a long-standing property dispute.

According to sources, Pradhan was detained after a well-coordinated operation with the Khandagiri police. A firearm was also reportedly found in his possession during the arrest.

Before this, four other suspects had been arrested, but the main accused had been on the run for several weeks, causing stress and fear for Khuntia’s family. The victim’s family members had even received life threats from Pradhan and his associates, which left them living in constant fear. They had appealed to the Police Commissioner for protection and swift action.

The police have assured the public that strict action will be taken against all those involved and are continuing their investigation to determine if there are any additional accomplices in the case.