Wanted criminal in 'Para' murder case nabbed after police encounter

Puri: Notorious criminal Jitendra Sahu alias Jitu who is alleged to be involved in the murder of Sanjay Behera alias Para near Gundicha Temple last month was nabbed by police after anenounter on Pipili-Jatani road in the wee hours today.

Reports said a special police team of Puri Kumbharpara and Pipili police stations nabbed Jitendra after an exchange of fire near Barimula chhak on Jatni-Pipili road.

The criminal is stated to be a resident of Abakash lane in Puri and was returning to his home from Nayagarh when the cops intercepted him near Barimula chhak. Jitendra initially opened fire and the police also retaliated with two rounds of bullets.

During the exchange of fire, Jitendra recieved bullet injuries on his right leg and was immediately nabbed by the police team. A bike, pistol and two live bullets were seized from his possession.

Police sources said that Jitendra was one of the associate of Denga Munna, who led the opposition group against Para. There are several criminal cases against him at police stations in Puri and adjoining areas.

Both Para and Denga Munna used to be close friends and jointly operate various anti-social activities in Puri, but they later split up due to growing dispute over corex business.

Para was critically injured after four miscreants chased and fired three rounds of bullets at him near Nakachana gate of Puri Gundicha Temple. He died under treatment at a private hospital in Bhubaneswar on December 26.

Suspecting that Denga Munna and his associates including Jitendra were behind the attack, Puri SP Sarthak Sarangi formed a special team jointly operated by Kumbharpada and Pipili IIC to nab the criminals.

A few days ago, the main conspirator Denga Munna had surrendered before Nimapara court and was granted bail.