Revenge Behind Puri Servitor Murder, 6 Including 2 Key Conspirators Arrested  

Puri police on Monday claimed to have cracked the sensational murder case of Jagannath temple servitor Krushna Chandra Pratihari and arrested six persons. Pratihari, a member of Suar Mahasuar Nijog, was shot dead by miscreants on March 16. 

“As of now, we have arrested six persons in connection with the murder of Krushna Chandra Pratihari while three accused involved in the murder are yet to be arrested. Multiple raids are being conducted to nab them. They will be arrested soon,” Puri SP Kanwar Vishal Singh said while briefing the media. 

The arrested have been identified as Kalia Singhari, his son Dalgobinda Singhari, Kalu Panigrahi, Munna Patra, Baba Mohapatra and Sandeep Jena. Kalia is the brother of Guna Singhari who was murdered in 2012.   

“Kalia Singhari and Dalgobinda Singhari are the main conspirators of the crime. They engaged lodge manager Kalu Panigrahi to arrange other people and to plot and execute the crime,” Singh said.  

Speaking about the motive of the crime, Singh said, “As of now, the investigation revealed that they eliminated Krushna Pratihari in to take revenge. However, there might be other reasons too which are under investigation.”   

The SP informed that the accused persons had earlier made an attempt to eliminate Krushna Chandra Pratihari, but could not succeed. 

He said Munna Patra of Sadar area had supplied weapons for the crime while Baba Mohapatra was on the spot to inform about the deceased. Sandeep Jena had made fleeing and hideout plans of the accused.  

“If more evidence surfaces during the probe, we will bring them under the purview of investigation,” Singh said. 

“Of the arrested persons, some will be taken on remand to recreate the crime scene. Based on sufficient evidence, we are trying to bring the case to a logical conclusion,” the SP added.

The further said that as per preliminary investigation a deal of Rs 30 lakh was finalised for the murder. One among the three who had fired upon Krushna Pratihari has been arrested. 

He also said prima facie it appears that the murder has link with the murder of Guna Singhari in 2012.