Berhampur, Jul 2: Police have taken two accused in the abduction and murder case of plot dealer Sudhir Patra on a two-day remand to further investigate the crime. The accused, identified as Saroj Panda of Gujarat and Ranjan Mallik of Nuagaon under Badagada police station limits, were brought from Berhampur Circle Jail under tight security by Gopalpur police.
After undergoing medical examinations, the duo were taken to Gopalpur Police Station, where they were interrogated separately. Sadar SDPO Shubhranshu Sekhar Parida and Inspector-in-Charge Satya Ranjan Lenka questioned the accused about the sequence of events leading to Patra's abduction and the manner in which the murder was allegedly carried out.
According to police, the investigation is aimed at uncovering the conspiracy behind the crime and gathering further evidence.
Earlier, police had brought four accused from Rajasthan on remand in connection with the high-profile kidnapping and murder case. During the operation, Saroj Panda and Ranjan Mallik allegedly attempted to escape from police custody. In response, police opened fire, injuring both men in the legs.
The injured accused were admitted to the MKCG Medical College and Hospital in Berhampur for treatment. After recovering, they were sent to judicial custody at Berhampur Circle Jail.
With the two accused now on police remand, investigators are expected to reconstruct the crime and obtain more details regarding the planning, execution, and involvement of other suspects in the murder of Sudhir Patra.
