Post News Network
Cuttack, May 28: Tension flared in Sheikh Bazaar here after motorcycle-borne miscreants hurled crude bombs at the house of Chakuli alias Prakash Behera, one of the accused in the sensational Keshab Chandra Behera alias Keshia murder case. A youth suffered minor injuries in the incident.
Thursday’s incident came on the heels of Chakuli’s release from jail who along with two other accused in the case was exonerated of all charges by a court.
The incident triggered tension in the area, with police personnel being deployed and patrolling being intensified to thwart any untoward incident.
Chakuli, who lives near Devighar along Sheikh Bazaar-Chandi Mandir road, was arrested along with seven others in connection with the Keshia murder case which occurred July 7, 2013. Lalbag police prepared a chargesheet against the accused and produced them in the court of the additional district and sessions judge (ADSJ).
While pronouncing the verdict in the high-profile murder case May 20, ADSJ Bidyut Kumar Mishra sentenced five persons to life imprisonment and exonerated Chakuli and two others of all charges.
Police said Chakuli’s release angered supporters of Keshia, who might be behind the attack. Besides hurling two bombs at Chakuli’s house, miscreants also hurled bombs at his uncle Brahmananda’s house. A youth named Karim who works at an electronics shop in Mahamadia Bazaar was injured in the incident. Chakuli was not at home during the incident, police said.
Lalbag police visited the spot after the incident and registered a case.
Inspector-in-charge Debdutta Boral said further investigation is on and a manhunt has been launched to nab the accused.
Cuttack DCP Sanjeev Arora said the incident was the fallout of rivalry between gangs operated by Chakuli and Keshia. Chakuli’s release after nearly two years was seen as an insult to his rivals who were waiting for an opportunity to attack him and his family members, said Arora.
“We will crack down on gang wars in the city and will come up with a comprehensive security plan to counter gangsters operating in the city,” Arora said.