Property-related dispute behind Puri lawyer murder: Police

Puri: After arresting three accused in connection with the brutal murder of lodge owner and lawyer Chandan Behera, police said that dispute pertaining to land was the motive behind the crime.

However, the mastermind Narendra Das aka Litu is yet to be apprehended by the police.

According to sources, police have seized two billhooks, one machete and a revolver from the three arrested accused.

As informed by Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi, Chandan came from Rourkela and started his business by opening Sai Kutir restaurant. He bought the land for the purpose with help from the three arrested accused Jaga, Kapila and Barju. In exchange, Chandan had made arrangements for employment and free food at the hotel for them. However, dispute arose when Chandan put the hotel on lease following which the three accused murdered him.

“We have arrested the three main accused and they have confessed to their crime. We have also recovered weapons of offence from them. We are interrogating them, but prima facie it looks like a property-related assault and killing,” the SP pointed out.

Also Read: Advocate murder in Puri: 3 accused held

On the other hand, the Puri Bar Association’s cease-work stir continued for the second day today. The association is unmoved on its demand seeking transfer of the Puri SP.

“We are questioning his mode of functioning. As per our scheduled deadline, we will continue our stir following which we will have a meeting and decide our further course of action,” said secretary of the Puri Bar Association, Sarada Samal.