Arrested Accused
In a swift and coordinated operation, Odisha Police successfully rescued a kidnapped trader just two days after his abduction and arrested seven individuals involved in the crime. The rescue took place in a densely populated slum area under the jurisdiction of Kendrapara Town Police Station.
According to official sources, the victim, identified as Soumya Ranjan, was engaged in trading activities. He was abducted from the Bayalis Mouza area in Cuttack district on May 18 evening. The incident came to light when the victim’s family lodged a complaint at the local police station, expressing concern over his sudden disappearance and possible foul play.
Acting promptly on the complaint, police teams launched an investigation and followed various leads. After intensive efforts, they were able to trace the victim's location and rescue him from a settlement in Kendrapara town. During the rescue operation, seven suspects allegedly connected to the abduction were taken into custody.
Sources indicate that the kidnapping may have been linked to business disputes or financial motives, though the police are yet to confirm the exact reason behind the abduction. Investigations are currently underway to uncover the full extent of the conspiracy and identify any additional individuals who may have been involved.
Police Commissioner S Dev Datta Singh on Tuesday informed that the 31-year-old youth Soumya Ranjan Behera went missing and his family members lodged a complaint. During the investigation, we found that Soumya Ranjan was earlier kidnapped in a similar fashion in Kendrapara a few years back.
“As Soumya Ranjan was into trading, we suspected that some people might have kidnapped him from whom he might have taken money. After forming teams, we started an investigation and rescued Soumya Ranjan, who was kept confined at a house in Kendrapara and was chained. We have arrested seven accused in this connection,” said the Police Commissioner.
According to the Twin City Police Commissioner, Soumya Ranjan was doing valid trading from 2019-2022, and some people were demanding the return of their money. No case of cheating has been lodged. All the accused are from Kendrapara, and one of the accused is a gym trainer, he added.
Police have stated that the rescued individual is in stable condition and has been reunited with his family. Medical examinations were conducted to ensure his well-being.
The swift action and success of the operation by Commissionerate Police have drawn praise from local residents, highlighting the effectiveness of the police in dealing with serious crimes. Authorities have assured that further interrogation of the accused is ongoing, and strict action will be taken against all those found guilty.
This incident once again underscores the importance of timely police intervention and community cooperation in tackling organized criminal activities.