Balangir police have arrested eight individuals, including Naba Senapati, in connection with the murder of his younger brother, Natraj Senapati, near Tusura’s Tel River under Tusura police station in Balangir district. Naba is alleged to be the mastermind behind the crime.
The body of Natraj was discovered on January 2, 2026. Following a complaint lodged by Naba, authorities conducted a post-mortem and forensic investigation, which revealed the death to be a planned murder.
According to Balangir SP Abilash G, Naba reportedly hired six contract killers from Deogaon and Saintala to execute the plan. Natraj’s close friend, Khetra, was also arrested for assisting in luring Natraj to the river. Initially, the plan involved staging an accident using a vehicle, but the accused allegedly pushed Natraj off a bridge pillar into the river.
The murder was reportedly motivated by a property dispute. Naba allegedly paid an advance of Rs 60,000 to Khetra, who distributed it among the six hired killers via UPI. A further payment of Rs 2 lakh was planned. Police have seized the vehicle intended for the hit-and-run.
“All eight accused were directly involved in the crime,” said SP Abilash G, confirming the arrests and ongoing investigation.
