Talcher: The police Thursday arrested five contract killers who were hired by a group to eliminate its rival here in Angul district.
Angul Superintendent of Police (SP) said one pistol, 2 magazines, eight live bullets, three sharp weapons and three mobile phones were seized from their possession.
The police have identified the accused as Moti alias Musharaf Khan of Talcher town, Jitu alias Rudranarayan Pradhan of Gundichapada in Dhenkanal district, Muna alias Abdul Wahid, Rocky alias Md Inzaman and Tikili alias Md Faruq of Cuttack.
This is a fall out of selling of diesel in the coalfield area the mafia have been active since last two days. The SP said one group had hired criminals to eliminate the other by paying Rs 5 lakh. However, two to three more members of the gang are absconding. A special team has been formed to nab them; the SP said adding the diesel and coal mafias will soon be nabbed.