Nabarangpur: Police today arrested four persons accused in connection with the gruesome murder of contractor Pradeep Agarwal (45) at his residence at RK Colony here in Nabarangpur on November 28.
The arrested were identifed as brothers Shaik Samim (27) and Shaik Sitab (30) of Gadhabaguda, Rakesh Bhatra (31) of Senapati Street and Sujeet Panda (27) alias Raja of Jamal colony, all belonging to Nabarangpur.
"Pradeep was murdered following a dispute between two groups relating to the transaction of contraband article ganja. Investigation is in progress and steps are also being taken to apprehend other accused persons in the case," said a police official.
During the investigation, police seized one blood stained iron sword from Sitab who had concealed it. Police also seized the vehicle which was used in ganja transaction in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) case.
"A case has been registered in Nabarangpur police station under Section 20(b)(ii)(c) of NDPS Act, 1985. It has got link with the present case and enquiry on this is in progress," added the official.
This apart, three four wheelers and two wheelers involved in the case for different purposes having criminal intention have also been seized, sources added.
On November 28, Pradeep was attacked with sharp weapons and swords by the criminals in his own house. Pradeep, with his left hand severed and deep cuts on his shoulder, was immediately rushed to Nabarangpur Headquarters Hospital, where the doctors declared him dead.