Puri: The Puri police on Monday confirmed that Nibedita Behera, wife of advocate and hotelier Chandan Behera had conspired to eliminate her husband over property dispute.
Police have arrested Nibedita and four others in connection with the case. So far eight have been arrested for their suspected involvement in the matter.
Puri Superintendent of Police Sarthak Sarangi informed media that Nibedita along with prime accused Narandranath Das alias Litu had hatched the plan on 5 January to eliminate Chandan.
“During investigation and after interrogating the hotel staff we came to know that Nibedita, the wife of the deceased is involved in the murder of Chandan. She was frequently coming to Puri from Rourkela without the knowledge of her husband. We also got the proof of her staying here. She had stayed here from 20 December to January 5 and during the stay she had hatched the conspiracy with Litu. The associates of Litu have executed Chandan,” Sarangi stated.
He said, few days back Nibedita had prepared a legal document and given Litu the power of attorney of her properties.
“During search we have also recovered an agreement showing Litu as guardian of her property. Besides power of attorney has also been given to Litu.... Now this is clear that she knew about the plan”.
Describing about the modus operandi of the crime, the SP said four of Litu’s aides are involved in the crime.
“We came to know, after the blue print of the murder plan was made, Kapila dropped her in Rourkela on 5 January. Then the plan was executed on 8 January by all five”.
Asked about the involvement of other persons in the sensitive case, he said the case is open and police is investigating the matter.
“We are further verifying to know that whether more persons are involved in the matter. We are probing that how the property for which the dispute arose was acquired and, who all were in knowledge of the property when it was registered,” Sarangi said adding if required they will bring on remand all eight accused.
Litu, the link between conspirator and assailant is on the run and a team has been formed to nab him.