TV
The body of taxi driver Vidyadhar Sahu was recovered from the Chandaka–Barang road on Saturday, days after he was reported missing. According to police, Vidyadhar was reportedly missing since September 15. His family lodged a complaint on September 19, after allegedly receiving a ransom call demanding Rs 2 crore.
His abandoned taxi was spotted by the roadside, following which locals searched the area and found his body lying beyond the guard wall. Badagada police informed the family, who later identified the deceased.
At the spot, investigators recovered an umbrella, a liquor bottle, and a wallet. Initial examination indicated murder, with a towel tied around his neck, pointing to possible strangulation.
Police have begun a detailed probe into the case.
What Family and Locals Alleged
One relative said, “He was missing for over four days, and he was my uncle. We are certain he was kidnapped. He was working as a cab driver for over two years.”
Another individual who spotted the body added, “I was on my way to Cuttack when I noticed his car parked by the road. His family, as well as fellow cab drivers from the same village, had informed us that he was missing, so we were on the lookout. When I noticed the cab, I went to check and found that no one was inside it and all the items were intact. When I looked around, I found him lying dead near the guard wall. Following this, I informed his family and PCR.”
Ransom Allegations
Family members revealed that they had received a ransom call and that Vidyadhar was apparently taken to Jajpur following the kidnapping. “Other family members spoke with the kidnapper while his phone was off. We were told that soon they would be allowed to meet Vidyadhar. But this morning, we found him dead,” said a relative.
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Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the abduction and murder, including how the perpetrators could leave the body on a busy stretch of the road without being noticed.
Sonali Singh Parmar, ACP, Bhubaneswar Zone-VI, said, "As investigation is going on, I cannot reveal any other information right now."
