In a breakthrough development, the police today announced the arrest of nine individuals in connection with the brutal murder of 61-year-old Harihara Sahoo. The incident occurred on August 19 at Radhagobind Lane under Puri Town Police Station jurisdiction.
The arrested suspects include a father-son duo, Bijay Kumar Khuntia (45) and his son Rakesh Kumar Khuntia (20), along with seven juveniles. According to authorities, there are still two minor suspects on the run. Police recovered significant weapons from the arrested individuals, including an iron rod, two machetes, and an iron Chapada.
On the evening of August 19, around 7:30 PM, Harihara Sahoo was attacked while returning home from a local shop. He was assaulted by Bijay Kumar Khuntia, his son, and a group of nine other juveniles, which led to serious injuries. Though initially taken to Puri DHH for medical treatment, Sahoo was later referred to SCB MCH in Cuttack, where he was declared dead upon arrival.
The investigation revealed that the murder was driven by a longstanding family rivalry, primarily related to a dispute over the ‘Khaja’ business between the families of the accused and the victim. The dispute escalated after an earlier murder on August 8, when Dinesh Khuntia, the younger son of the accused, was killed by Kanha alias Pradipta Sahoo, the younger son of the victim. Seeking vengeance, Bijay Kumar Khuntia and his son orchestrated the brutal killing of Harihara Sahoo.
The arrested individuals have been linked to multiple criminal cases, with Rakesh Kumar Khuntia facing nine charges. The police have expressed concern over the increasing involvement of minors in such serious criminal activities. Authorities are focusing on raising awareness among juvenile offenders and their guardians to curb their participation in crime.
Further, the police have assured the public that measures to control drug peddling and smuggling, along with intensified patrolling, will be implemented to enhance security in the area. With three murders occurring in the last two weeks and the growing involvement of juveniles, the law and order situation in Puri has raised alarms.
