Days after the brutal murder of three brothers and their minor cousin triggered widespread resentment in Ganjam district, the police on Tuesday claimed to have arrested six persons including the prime accused, identified as Sadhu alias Amiya Swain.
On March 22 night, the three siblings Sambhu Swain, Pandab Swain, Raja Swain and their minor cousin Chandan Swain were allegedly attacked and beating to death by Sadhu and his associates. The prime accused along with his associates had assaulted Sambhu and his brothers after they opposed him for passing lewd comments at a couple.
Sambhu runs a fast-food shop Patitala Chhak under Hinjili police limits.
Apart from the prime accused Sadhu, police have also arrested Bahan Behera, Dipu Sethi, Chitrasen Sethi, Santosh Swain of Ramchadrapur village.
“On the day of incident, prime accused Sadhu was harassing and eve teasing a couple near the fast-food centre. The owner of the shop opposed Sadhu which irked him. Later, the accused called up his other associates and attacked the three brothers with wooden sticks and iron rods,” said Ganjam SP, Brajesh Ray.
The senior police official said that murder weapons including wooden handle of spade, iron rod and bamboo sticks have been recovered. “Another accused is still absconding. We have formed teams and they are conducting searches at various parts of the State and outside,” said Ray.
It is pertinent to mention here that traders and shopkeepers in Pitala Chowk locality where the crime took place, have downed their shutters in protest of the pitiable law and order situation that resulted in the brutal murders. They are demanding setting up of a police outpost in the area.
“We have constituted a peace committee to resolve the issues. Till a police outpost is set up, one officer and four policemen will be deployed round-the-clock to enforce law in the area,” Ray added.