Berhampur, May 26: In a major development in the high-profile kidnapping and murder case of plot trader Sudhir Patra, two prime accused injured in police encounter. The incident took place around 12 am, according to officials.
The accused have been identified as Ranjan Mallik (27) of Nuagaon under Badagada police station limits and Saroj Panda (35) of Modi Mahalla, AK Road in Surat district, Gujarat.
Berhampur Superintendent of Police Dr. Saravana Vivek M confirmed that both individuals played key roles in the abduction and murder of Sudhir Patra. Following the crime, they had been absconding for a long time and were on the police wanted list.
As per the investigation, the accused had abducted Sudhir Patra on the 15th of last month and later murdered him in the Ramapada forest area under Buguda. During the crime, Saroj alias “Biki” allegedly fired at the victim to intimidate him, while Ranjan reportedly threatened the victim’s family over phone calls.
A special police team had earlier arrested four accused, including Saroj, Ranjan, Sumit Singh, Sunil Rajput, and Mukesh Sahu, from Rajasthan and was bringing them back to Berhampur. However, near Ankushpur, the accused allegedly attacked the police team and attempted to escape custody.
During the incident, police opened fire in retaliation, injuring Saroj and Ranjan. Ranjan sustained a bullet injury on his right leg, while Saroj was hit on his left leg. Both were immediately shifted to MKCG Medical College and Hospital for treatment.
Police officials have stated that further investigation into the case is underway.
