Puri, July 25: A silver ring recovered from the crime scene has emerged as a potential breakthrough in the case involving the brutal burning of a minor girl in Balangir. The Crime Branch, which is probing the incident, has zeroed in on key suspects and is currently interrogating five individuals in connection with the case.
More than a week has passed since the shocking incident, but the prime accused remains at large. However, fresh leads have given new momentum to the investigation. The silver ring, believed to have been purchased from a local jewellery shop around two months ago, could prove to be a crucial piece of evidence.
On Thursday, Crime Branch officials conducted a marathon questioning session involving three of the victim’s friends and two other women. Later in the evening, a local jeweller from Balanga market was detained for questioning after it was suspected that the ring had been sold from his store.
Sources revealed that a young woman has confirmed to investigators that she bought the ring from the same jewellery shop. However, attempts to retrieve evidence from the store’s CCTV footage have so far been unsuccessful due to the passage of time.
Investigators remain hopeful that the ring will provide significant clues that could lead to the arrest of the culprits.
Meanwhile, Dukhisyam Senapati, the man who first spotted the severely injured girl and took her to his home for safety, has been placed under round-the-clock police protection. Following the incident, Senapati reportedly received threats from unidentified individuals. Concerned for his safety, the police have deployed personnel outside his residence and are monitoring the situation closely.
Authorities continue to appeal for public cooperation as the investigation unfolds, with hopes high that justice will soon be served in this tragic case.
